With Thanksgiving in the rear-view mirror and Christmas only 32 days away, we have another dose of bad cheer from Gary Bettman’s #1 elf, NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly.  Not without a healthy dose of Black Friday irony, the league announced cancellation of additional regular season games, scratching the schedule through December 14.  However, in what may be interpreted by some as a sign of good faith to the player’s union, the January 26-26 NHL All-Star Weekend in Columbus has also been canceled (you were thinking it, I just said it for you).

The December 14 date marks the cancellation of 422 games, or 34.3% of the 2012-2013 regular season.  However, Mister Daly did say, “We feel badly for NHL fans and particularly those in Columbus.”  Hey, I feel better, already.

With this news, that gift on every die-hard fan’s holiday list (a meaningful NHL season) looks even less likely than it did yesterday.  So, to cheer you up as the “fiscal cliff of hockey” looms larger in the windshield, I’ve created this commemorative Christmas tree ornament.  It’s my little way of trying to “make whole” your holiday season.  Place your thoughts, comments, and orders here (20% sympathy discount for Columbus Bluejacket fans).  -RC