Back in December the NHL Board of Governors voted 26-4 in favor of realignment for the 2012-2013 season going from a two conference setup with three divisions in each conference to a four conference setup with two conference consisting of eight teams and the other consisting of seven teams.
Under this format all the West Coast teams would be together in one conference. Dallas, Minnesota and Winnipeg would join the teams in the Central Division and be playing teams within their time zone on a regular basis.
The rest of the Southeast Division would be split up with Florida and Tampa Bay joining the teams in the Northeast Division with Washington and Carolina joining the teams in the Atlantic Division.
While the plan wasn't perfect it made sense on many different levels and was welcomed by the majority of hockey fans I have talked to. It looked like a sure bet realignment would happen in 2012.
Then on Friday evening, reports surfaced that realignment would be put on hold for the 2012-2013 season because the plan did not receive consent from the NHLPA.
Reasons given for the NHLPA not giving consent to realignment were questions about the travel schedule and concerns about the playoff format. Rest assure though realignment wasn't put on hold because of these issues.
It was put on hold because of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
The NHL CBA expires on September 15th. Since the lockout ended in 2005 Owners has pretty much gotten what they have wanted from the NHLPA with very little resistance.
The NHLPA has had four people in charge since Bob Goodenow resigned as executive director after the end of the lockout. During the last year the NHLPA has been lead by Donald Fehr.
Yes, that same Donald Fehr that was the head of the MLBPA from 1983 to 2009 and played a key role in the 1994 strike that cancelled the World Series.
For the last six years commissioner Gary Bettman has had his way when it comes to dealing with the NHLPA. What this move by Fehr does is tell Bettman is that this will be a partnership and there will be dialogue between the owners and the players.
If there isn't, another work stoppage cold be on the horizon and no hockey fan wants that.
Here is the Power Poll for Week 12.
1. Boston 26-11-1 53 points
Despite the loss to Vancouver on Saturday the Bruins have won nine of their last eleven games.
2. Detroit 26-14-1 53 points
Red Wings defeat Chicago 3-2 in a Central Division battle. The rematch is this Saturday in Detroit.
3. N.Y. Rangers 26-9-4 56 points
Rangers have won nine of their last ten games.
4. Vancouver 26-13-3 55 points
Canucks are 20-0 when leading after two periods.
5. Philadelphia 24-12-4 52 points
For the first time all season Claude Giroux, Scott Hartnall, & Jaromir Jagr have been held scoreless in consecutive games.
6. Chicago 24-13-5 53 points
Bad news for the Blackhawks as Patrick Sharp is out three to four weeks with an upper body injury.
7. St. Louis 24-12-5 53 points
Blues are 9-01 in their last ten home games. Haven't lost in regulation at home since December 3rd.
8. San Jose 23-11-4 50 points
Sharks have won four in a row to start 2012.
9. New Jersey 23-16-2 48 points
Devils have scored a league leading nine short-handed goals this season.
10. Dallas 23-16-1 47 points
Jamie Benn (4G, 3A) named first star of the week.
11. Colorado 23-19-1 47 points
Avalanche had their four game win streak snapped Saturday in St. Louis.
12. Nashville 22-15-4 48 points
Predators face Colorado in a home & home series this week. Two big games against a team they are battling for playoff position.
13. Ottawa 22-15-6 50 points
Senators have four played voted to start in the All-Star game later this month.
14. Pittsburgh 21-15-4 46 points
Jordan Staal out 4-6 weeks with a knee injury and James Neal out "weeks" with a broken foot.
15. Washington 21-16-2 44 points
Mike Green, playing in just his second game after an absence of nearly two months from the Washington lineup, left in the second period and did not return.
16. Toronto 21-15-5 47 points
Joffrey Lupul (2G, 5A) named second star of the week.
17. Minnesota 21-15-6 48 points
Wild have won once in their last twelve games. Still not going to panic but there is cause for concern.
18. Los Angeles 20-15-7 47 points
When it comes to ridiculous injuries it's hard to top the one Dustin Penner suffered over the weekend while eating pancakes.
19. Florida 20-13-8 48 points
Still in first place in Southeast Division despite losing six of their last eight games.
20. Winnipeg 20-16-5 45 points
Jets get a much needed win in Buffalo on Saturday after losing back to back games against Montreal and Toronto.
21. Phoenix 20-17-5 45 points
Congrats to Shane Doan on his first career hat trick.
22. Calgary 19-19-5 43 points
Congrats to Jarome Iginla on his 500th goal.
23. Buffalo 18-18-5 41 points
Sabres have received at least one point in it's last six home games.
24. Tampa Bay 17-20-3 37 points
Lightning prospect Brett Connolly receiving high praise after his performance at the World Junior Championships.
25. Montreal 16-18-7 39 points
2010 Playoff hero Jaroslav Halak returns to Montreal Tuesday night for the first time since being traded after the Canadiens magical playoff run.
26. Edmonton 16-22-3 35 points
I don't like to blame injuries for a team's performance but the Oilers would be a lot better if they were completely healthy.
27. N.Y. Islanders 14-19-6 34 points
Honestly you could rank the bottom four teams anyway you want and I don't think anyone would complain.
28. Carolina 14-22-7 35 points
Defenseman Tim Gleason looks to be a hot commodity on the trade market.
29. Anaheim 12-22-6 30 points
Ducks GM Bob Murray says a roster shakeup could be in order.
30. Columbus 11-25-5 27 points
Scott Arniel finally put out of his misery and fired as head coach of the Blue Jackets. Former Minnesota Wild coach Todd Richards named interim coach.
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