Two words: Replacement players.
If the regular players want to play in the NHL again, they can sign new contracts and accept the salary cap. If not, they can enjoy living off their copious savings accounts.
Just like those of us in the real world, if they don't like the salary, they can get a job somewhere else.
Karl Rove plot!
For all the talk about "unions" and "scabs", the NHL players apparently had no problem taking minor league jobs away from other players this year.
I initially sided with the owners, thinking the players were being greedy. It is clear to me now that is not the case.
The players have made some serious consessions, and the owners have hardly blinked. They are not negotiating in good faith.
I don't want the NHL to turn into what the NFL has become with their salary cap. If it takes an entire year or two of no hockey to ensure that, then so be it. There are lots of alternative ideas to curb spending and keep ticket prices down than to institute a salary cap.
Professional sports leagues don't bear the slightest resemblance to those of us in the real world. They're collusive monopolies.
Replacement Fans