Both Sides Taking Heat for "Asinine" NHL Lockout

An ordinary defenseman and a hockey legend are among those losing patience with the NHL lockout.

"It's asinine and it's both sides," Flames' defenseman Andrew Ference tells the Calgary Sun. "How are you going to solve a conflict without communication? I don't understand the motivation behind sitting around."

"Even if you're not going to talk to the other guy, why not put forward some ideas you have so the public can see them and can say, 'These guys are putting forward an effort.' I understand there's an art to negotiation but right now, they're pretty sh--ty artists."

Meanwhile, Bobby Orr says its time to start leaning on the principle adversaries, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA president Bob Goodenow.

"If you talk to people on both sides, they will tell you there is a deal to be made," says Orr, speaking to TSN.ca. "But in order for the deal to be made, they have to be in the same room. They have to start talking."

The two sides have not spoken since September 9, six days before the NHL announced the lockout.

"I would think the ball is in their court," says NHLPA mouthpiece Ted Saskin.

"I would submit that the puck never made it to our end," replies Bettman.

These guys can't even negotiate a common metaphor.