NHL
NHL labor strife casts long shadow

By Kevin Allen
Gannett News Service

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COLUMBUS, Ohio — By all accounts, it is both the best time and worst time for the NHL's greatest stars to be preparing to play in the World Cup of Hockey.

On one hand, the hockey world is awash in negativity because there is a strong possibility that a portion, or even all, of the 2004-05 NHL season could be lost to a lockout that is expected to happen when the current collective-bargaining agreement expires Sept. 15.

On the other hand, the players are happy they can focus on playing rather than dwelling on the uncertainty that awaits.

"Maybe the great hockey we see over the next three weeks might motivate both sides to get a deal done," said Doug Weight of the St. Louis Blues, who plays for the United States.

The World Cup, not held since 1996 primarily because NHL players participated in the 1998 and 2002 Olympics, could be the most exciting international tournament in hockey history.

It features the NHL's top athletes playing for their home countries in a tournament played under NHL rules. With the possible exception of Germany, it is not unreasonable to suggest every team has a chance for a gold medal, although Russia will be without several top players, including standout goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin, because of disagreements with the nation's hockey federation.

Some argue this competition is a better test than the Olympics because it is played when players are fresher. Also, teams get quality practices before the tournament — something they don't have before the Olympics, which occur in the middle of the NHL season.

But no one denies the event's natural buildup and rhythm has been undermined by lack of progress in the collective-bargaining talks.

Even in Canada, where hockey is part of the culture, enthusiasm isn't as overwhelming as usual.

"In Canada there has been much more attention in the newspapers, television and radio about the possible lockout," said Harry Neale, an analyst for "Hockey Night in Canada" on CBC.
 
"To be honest, the World Cup has taken a back seat to bad news about the season probably not starting and Canada's inability to win many medals at the Olympics. But once the games start, it will be big time even in Canada."

American players say there really hasn't been much discussion about the labor situation in the dressing room.

Right wing Bill Guerin, a vice president in the NHL Players' Association, said he was thankful the tournament has given him something to remove his focus from the looming conflict.

"We can worry about that after the tournament," he said.

The United States opens play Tuesday against Canada, in Montreal.