Defending Big D, a Dallas Stars community

Tampa Bay plays a pair in the greater Northeast this weekend, starting with the 7th seeded New York Islanders and moving on to Washington and the division leading(!) Capitals.

Everyone seemed to know what was coming when the NHLPA made Fehr, a veteran sports labor boss, an advisor during the 2009 season. But with a deal signed and games underway, his hockey legacy deserves a chapter of its own.

Sunday has been a weird day that followed 113 other weird days for hockey fans. Very early this morning, Gary Bettman stood in the middle of a media scrum pressed up against his mortal enemy Don...

You'll see hype, you'll see collective sighs of relief, you'll see rejoicing... But don't get caught up in the revelry. The NHL has aggrieved you, the fans, and an end to the lockout doesn't even begin to make amends.

The NHL and NHLPA reached a tentative deal at 5:00 AM Sunday for a new collective bargaining agreement. The agreement is expected to be ratified by mid-week, with a 48 or 50-game season starting between January 15 and 20.

The NHL would love the NHLPA (and you) to believe they will cancel the season without a deal. The NHLPA would love the NHL (and you) to believe they'll file for disclaiming interest.

NHL and NHLPA seem to be getting down to some actual negotiating as 2013 begins.

All some of us want as a holiday present is to be given our team back; for Tampa Bay hockey fans - a few alternative "gifts" that are the sport of hockey.