The biggest money-maker for the league has just been canceled. Gary Bettman, in a press conference scheduled for 2pm today, will announce that the NHL will cancel the 2013 Winter Classic between the Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs at The Big House. In canceling this event, the NHL loses out on tens of millions of dollars in potential revenue from the game, the events, and the hype (including 24/7) leading up to the game.

While there are many –including myself– who believe that a partial season can be salvaged, the cancellation of the Winter Classic is a proverbial kick to the stones. The NHL loses out on their biggest single-event revenue generator, which makes that HRR split even more pronounced, which means more cut-throat “negotiations.”

I’ve always said that hockey is a business, and I stand by that sentiment. However, the NHL is a business run by greedy owners, headed by a greedy commissioner, and played by greedy players.

In the end, the fans lose.

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