ESPN's Outside The Lines on Wednesday night had a show about some of the NHL players who are in Russia right now. That was interesting in itself -- the non-Russian players trying to get used to the culture, and the cold of Siberia, how Russian teams operate, etc. But in the interview segment that followed, there was an intriguing idea that came from Michael Farber, a Sports Illustrated writer.

He thinks that even if they don't reach a settlement in the next couple of days in time to salvage any kind of regular season, they could still have a Stanley Cup playoff. He thinks the league could just have a tournament including all teams, giving some teams first-round byes in order to make sure there are even numbers of teams in later rounds. It would be a throwback to how the Cup was awarded in the days before the NHL itself even existed. It's an interesting thought, and it would certainly give the sides some incentive to try and negotiate through the rest of the winter and into spring.

Though Faber's idea is intriguing, what struck me listening to him was that I can't imagine either the NHL or the NHLPA going for a "just the playoffs" format. I think it is far more likely we'll have nothing this year.

I liked the report on the NHL-ers in Russia now. Interesting to see how Lecavaler, Richards, and Jagr are adjusting--or not. I was struck by the fact that with their salaries, the team on which they play now has a higher payroll than 6 NHL teams.

~Adam

I have an idea. I know it would be very expensive, but why doesn't ESPN 1 and 2, get off their ass and get over to Europe and televise some of the leagues games over there, back to here!!!

What, and take valuable airtime away from "Tilt" and its endless ads?

~Adam

No kidding Adam. I see many ads for that show daily.

I'm just waiting for one showing Michael Madsen smacking around some woman who asks why she should watch.