'Twas the night before Christmas around the NHL
By Wes Goldstein
SportsLine.com Staff Writer
'Twas the night before Christmas and the NHL stood still
Pausing briefly from a season that has rarely lacked a thrill
Surprises have been many, both on and off the ice
Gary and Bob aren't among them, too bad they can't play nice
The commish and the union boss, have made it very clear
There won't be any compromise, an apocalypse they do not fear
Fans have made their feelings known, empty seats leave no doubt
Prompting owners around the league, to look for a way out
At least three teams are up for sale, a fourth is nearly broke
Many more can't compete, it's really quite a joke
Far worse tricks are played on coaches, even those so sublime
Just ask Bob Hartley how little winning means, unless it's all the time
That's not to say all's been bad, so far in 2002
We've really seen many great things, starting with Mario Lemieux
The Magnificent One has astounded, taking everyone back in time
He's been hockey's best scorer, just like in his prime
Meanwhile new stars are emerging, ready to stake their claim to fame
Guys like Thornton, Lecavalier and Gaborik, future poster boys for the game
Many others are also worth noting, as well as many teams
Especially those stunning groups, whose seasons have been real dreams
They've been going Wild in St. Paul this year, and in Vancouver too
The Lightning have charged up Tampa Bay, in St. Louis the Blues seem true
The Stars have rocked the Lone Star State, and the Wings look like champs
Even out in Disneyland, the Mighty Ducks can light the lamps
The B's are back, the Habs are too, and the Sens are oh so fine
Toronto's Leafs keep getting better, as Ed Belfour fights off time
Mind you there are others, who still defy the years
Francis, Chelios, McInnis and Messier, guys who have no peers
Overall, games are better now, the competition's more intense
It seems the few subtle changes, really made some sense
Faster face-offs and more obstruction calls, have created quite a flow
Letting talents big and small put on a super show
The good thing about this time of year, is that there's lots more left to play
Before some team will hoist the Cup, and with it skate away
It's like a marathon race, your team may hit the wall
But in the meantime just enjoy it, and have a Merry Christmas one and all.
By Wes Goldstein
SportsLine.com Staff Writer
'Twas the night before Christmas and the NHL stood still
Pausing briefly from a season that has rarely lacked a thrill
Surprises have been many, both on and off the ice
Gary and Bob aren't among them, too bad they can't play nice
The commish and the union boss, have made it very clear
There won't be any compromise, an apocalypse they do not fear
Fans have made their feelings known, empty seats leave no doubt
Prompting owners around the league, to look for a way out
At least three teams are up for sale, a fourth is nearly broke
Many more can't compete, it's really quite a joke
Far worse tricks are played on coaches, even those so sublime
Just ask Bob Hartley how little winning means, unless it's all the time
That's not to say all's been bad, so far in 2002
We've really seen many great things, starting with Mario Lemieux
The Magnificent One has astounded, taking everyone back in time
He's been hockey's best scorer, just like in his prime
Meanwhile new stars are emerging, ready to stake their claim to fame
Guys like Thornton, Lecavalier and Gaborik, future poster boys for the game
Many others are also worth noting, as well as many teams
Especially those stunning groups, whose seasons have been real dreams
They've been going Wild in St. Paul this year, and in Vancouver too
The Lightning have charged up Tampa Bay, in St. Louis the Blues seem true
The Stars have rocked the Lone Star State, and the Wings look like champs
Even out in Disneyland, the Mighty Ducks can light the lamps
The B's are back, the Habs are too, and the Sens are oh so fine
Toronto's Leafs keep getting better, as Ed Belfour fights off time
Mind you there are others, who still defy the years
Francis, Chelios, McInnis and Messier, guys who have no peers
Overall, games are better now, the competition's more intense
It seems the few subtle changes, really made some sense
Faster face-offs and more obstruction calls, have created quite a flow
Letting talents big and small put on a super show
The good thing about this time of year, is that there's lots more left to play
Before some team will hoist the Cup, and with it skate away
It's like a marathon race, your team may hit the wall
But in the meantime just enjoy it, and have a Merry Christmas one and all.
