Nothing in life is 100 per cent. Yes, the ongoing NHL lockout is a bit of downer. It’s November and I think it’s really starting to sink in just how much free time we suddenly have without hockey. But it’s not all bad, as we have found there are some definite benefits to the labor unrest in the National Hockey League.
• No hockey, no concussions.
• More time for Tim Thomas to focus on the US Election.
• People in Winnipeg still haven’t seen Olli Jokinen in a Jets jersey.
• The Red Wings still haven’t played a game without Nicklas Lidstrom.
• Sidney Crosby, still healthy.
• Mikael Backlund is tied for the NHL scoring lead.
• The NHL is saving a bundle not running the refrigeration plant at Jobing.com Arena in Glendale.
• No Jarome Iginla trade rumors.
• More time for Vancouver Canucks forward David Booth to kill defenseless animals.
• You can still get your bet in for the "How fat is Dustin Byfuglien" pool at work.
• The Columbus Blue Jackets…tied for first place.
• Haven’t had to listen to the Flames goal song.
• People in Philadelphia definitely hate the Eagles more than the Flyers.
• Rick DiPietro hasn’t been hurt yet. What’s that? He has? Never mind.
• Still time for that Luongo to Toronto thing to happen.
• The "Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton can’t win a Cup" conversation is still a good six weeks away.
• Think of the money Bettman has saved on pucks.
• The Miikka Kiprusoff / Leland Irving goaltending controversy is still quiet.
• NHL suspensions are at an all time low.
See. Told ya.