Most notable amongst the Roenick tirade was, "If we (the NHLPA) woulda signed that deal in February, in terms of what we're getting now, we woulda looked like heroes. Right now we look like a bunch of idiots."

Commissioner Gary Bettman mentioned, by the way, in February, when the season was put out of its misery, that that deal would be the best one the players would get. 

Jagr’s comments about the salary cap, in which he said that the players “Didn't expect the owners to be so tough and persistent. It was a risk that didn't pay off," were more welcome but also a day late and a buck short.

Which not only raises the question of what took these players so long, but why did they oppose a salary cap in the first place?  Around the time of the cancellation, billions around the world had just viewed the NFL’s salary cap brigades compete in a somewhat popular game called The Super Bowl.  The line about players being asked to fix the game FOR the owners is another one that Roenick and Jagr just shattered. 

Eklund, our affiliate at www.eklundshockeyreport.com rightfully notes that player rep Bob Goodenow “did wonders” for the players in recent times.  But this lockout was ridiculous and the players’ solidarity trip yielded nothing. 

In the end, which is where we stand now, dissent in the ranks could have done wonders for these union players.  Solidarity and unity are overrated concepts when faced with total ruin. 

Idiots indeed.

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