What Crosby thinks

Monday, 31 December 2012 14:31

Written by Dave Molinari

Time hasn't quite run out on efforts to save a portion of the NHL season that was supposed to being in October, but there isn't much left of it, either.

Which is why, with negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement resuming this afternoon in New York, Sidney Crosby believes this round of talks almost certainly will determine whether there are NHL games this winter.

"If you just look at the window we're looking at here, with a couple of weeks (to finalize a deal), I would say that's a pretty fair assessment," he said after a player-organized workout at Southpointe today.

Crosby, who spent most of the past two weeks in his native Nova Scotia, acknowledged that he was "a little bit" surprised when the league offered a new, comprehensive proposal to the NHL Players' Association last Thursday, and clearly hopes that will nudge both parties down the path toward an agreement.

"At this point, any dialogue or any proposal is a step in the right direction," he said. "I think there are some negotiations that still need to take place, but I think (the NHL offer) is something to build off."

If a new CBA is worked out in time to start play by Jan. 19 – a date the league has said is the latest play could begin in a 48-game season, the shortest it will accept – it seems unlikely that there will be exhibition games, because all concerned can make more money when the games count.

Crosby said his personal preference would be to play two or three preseason games, although he conceded that others likely feel differently.
"Intrasquad (scrimmages are) a little different," he said. "When you're playing your team's system against an actual opponent, not your own teammates, it's a little different. You do get something from that.

"Selfishly, any simulated game I can get at this point, I'll take it."

He also suggested that facing outside competition might better prepare players for the rigors of what surely would be a demanding schedule.

"You have to find that balance of making sure you're ready," he said. "Do you possibly miss other games (during the regular season) because you're not prepared?
"That's something we all have to think about and find out what's best for everyone involved."