This quote from this Montreal Gazette article says it well: "At issue, according to the NHLPA, is that the players’ union is not a group certified by the Quebec Labour Board. The NHLPA adds that, under Quebec law, an employer – the Canadiens, in this case – cannot lock out employees – Habs players, in this case – unless they are represented by a union certified by the QLB." The Ontario government has paved the way in favour of the owners already, so Toronto and Ottawa won't be so lucky. It is also said that the Alberta board has received filings from the NHLPA already. Talks are in progress with BC and Manitoba.

A never-gonna-happen but interesting idea for renovating the NHL from Sporting News. It was posted on Puck Daddy and is worth a read.

Interesting article from Colby Cosh in Maclean's magazine about the Stanley Cup

"I still have a sour taste left in my mouth not playing in the last game," he said Thursday following an informal skate at UBC that included teammates Manny Malhotra, Dale Weise and Jason Garrison. "I remember those things and I want to prove myself. You’re mad and upset, but at the same time you know if you’re not playing good someone else is going to come in. It’s in the back of my mind and makes me hungry."

A David Booth career retrospective (so far), over at Litter Box Cats.

Force and Sully are up against some tough competition in the Wisconsin Badgers super fan though. Head over there and cast your vote!

An animated GIF one, at least. Stupid fish.

Over at CanucksArmy.com this August, we're profiling the top 20 Canucks prospects. Today we covered Anton Rodin, and the other 7 profiles are linked at the bottom of the article. Just figured there might be some Canucks fans who would be interested!

Tragedy has struck the hockey blogosphere again, as a young man opened fire in a movie theatre for a midnight showing of the new Batman movie in Aurora, Colorado, last night. Among the 12 who were killed was Jessica Redfield, an up-and-coming correspondent for the Colorado Avalanche. The link above is from Mile High Hockey, SBNation's Avalanche blog, where a couple of their writers were very good friends with Jessica. Many news stories about the shooting are all over the infosphere right now, if you feel inclined to learn more. Our condolences to the families and friends of those whose lives were taken.