"Tuesday or Nothing"

Dec. 9, 2004
TORONTO - NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman today released the following statement:
"The Union presented us with a proposal today that, clearly, they worked on for a long time. We wanted to give it at least a preliminary review before making any comments.
"We will not discuss any of the specifics until we formally respond to the Union. To do otherwise would not be constructive to this process. However, I will acknowledge that one aspect of the proposal is very significant. That element is a recognition by the Union of our economic condition -- but it is a 'one-time' element.
"We have said consistently that the focus must be on the overall systemic issues and the long-term needs and health of the game. We will fully review the Union's proposal and respond next Tuesday. It is our present intention to make a counter-proposal."
::::::::Tucker's World's Take::::: Well so far it looks as though as I thought, that they would make a counter offer. I am feeling a heck of a lot better than I was a few weeks ago. There is still a chance that we could see some hockey tonight. They may play with the numbers a bit, but some how I think they might work things out. We should know a lot more Tuesday. The tone is a lot less nasty than its been.