Crosby optimism fading

Monday, 26 November 2012 10:00

Written by Dave Molinari

Sidney Crosby isn't ready to write off the 2012-13 season because of the lockout that has shut down the NHL since mid-September.

He acknowledged today, however, that he's not as hopeful as he had been previously, and said the inability to hammer out a new collective bargaining agreement has begun to exasperate him and other players.

"I wouldn't say I'm as optimistic as I was last week, but I'm still trying to hold on," Crosby said after a player-organized workout at Southpointe. "I don't think anyone can really describe how frustrated they are at this point. We've been through it for a while now."

Indications are that negotiations between the league and the NHL Players' Association will resume Wednesday, and Crosby said it's important for all concerned to remain focused and keep their emotions in check.

"Getting frustrated isn't going to change it," he said. "It's up to everyone to find a way to make it work."

Crosby made his remarks a few hours before the announcement that federal mediators will get involved in the dispute.

Although the league has called off games scheduled through mid-December, Crosby said, "Hopefully, we can still get a good chunk of games in if we figure something out."

Of course, the chances of finding common ground and forging a deal get a lot better when the two sides actually meet, something that has happened only sporadically in recent months.

That, Crosby said, troubles many NHLPA members.

"I think a lot of guys are frustrated with ... the not-talking," he said. "We understand the business side, that there are negotiations and proposals going back and forth, that kind of thing.

"But I think the whole process is frustrating. If we really want to get something done, I feel like we have to be there every single day, no matter what.

"Whether or not that's going to happen, I don't know, but the process is probably more frustrating than anything."