With the 2009-10 season ready to roll there are many lingering issues that remain unanswered in the hockey world, and it is time for some stakeholders around the league to stand and deliver and make the right decisions.
IT IS TIME: for commissioner Gary Bettman and his deputy, Bill Daly, to solve the Phoenix mess once and for all. The game does not need this negative publicity. Get on with it and make it go away. Make the decision -- Hamilton or not!
IT IS TIME: for the fans in the American Southeast to fully support their teams. End of story. If they won’t support the teams then move them or contract them. If it means job losses so be it. The game will be better off in the long run and so will the players.
IT IS TIME: for all the members of the NHLPA to care more about the union. Find the right person to lead them. It is not good enough for the star players to remain apathetic about union business. Don’t expect your union to "grow the game." That is the job of the owners and the commissioner. Expect your union to protect your rights and benefits. The NHL needs a strong union. The game needs a strong union. The fans need a strong union.
IT IS TIME: for the Toronto Maple Leafs to make the playoffs. GM Brian Burke and coach Ron Wilson say the Leafs are a playoff team so let’s hold them to it.
IT IS TIME: for Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau to reach the Stanley Cup final. With Dany Heatley in tow they all have a lot to prove. So get it done boys! Speaking of Heatley ...
IT IS TIME: he stops giving the impression he runs and hides every time the going gets tough. Last chance oh Dany boy!
IT IS TIME: for the Montreal Canadiens to name a "Canadian" captain, just to try something different this time.
IT IS TIME: that the NHL supports the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia. If Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin are going, then everyone should go! The NHL can’t have its cake and eat it too, especially when some of the very best players in the league are Russian.
IT IS TIME: for someone to show me a more entertaining sport than NHL hockey when it’s played the right way.
IT IS TIME: to drop the PUCK.
