Parise's and the Devils tough night

Here is the New Jersey Devils beat writer’s perspective on Zach Parise’s game one of the Stanley Cup Finals – Parise like the rest of the Devils looked like they were a little flat and maybe they were holding their sticks a little tight as well.

Mike Vorkunov, The Star-Ledger --- There was Zach Parise sprawling around the Kings net, desperate for any chance to finally make his mark on the opening game of the Stanley Cup Finals.

The Devils’ captain had been quiet to that point, outplayed by Dustin Brown – his counterpart. Brown hadn’t scored but at least he threw his body around, setting the tone for a rough and rumbling Game 1. All Parise had done to that point was two shots on goal, one of which had accidentally slid off of his stick and to the goal.

But there he was, his opportunity waiting, as the puck stayed in front of Jonathan Quick. And all Parise could muster was to stick his glove out, from the outside of the net, and knock the puck in over the goal line. For a moment the Prudential Center erupted.

One thing that was evident last night was that the Devils didn’t bury their offensive opportunities when they had a chance.  Devils forward David Clarkson had two grade “A” scoring opportunities early in the game from the slot, only to shoot the puck over the Kings net.

Another NHL Lockout?

The possibility of the NHL having another lockout is looking more and more like a reality. I don’t believe we will see a season long lock out like we did during the 2004-05 season. There is also a possibility that if there is a lockout there are a half dozen teams that might not survive if there is a lockout.

NEWARK, N.J. - NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr confirmed on Wednesday that their sides hope to begin discussions on a new collective agreement in the next few weeks.

This was one of several topics Bettman spoke about in his annual pre-Stanley Cup final state-of-the-union address. Fehr was in attendance to listen to Bettman speak in the bowels of the Prudential Center and afterwards the NHLPA boss held his own Q-and-A session with reporters.

It was ironic that Bettman announced in his session that the league enjoyed record revenues of $3.3-billion US this season. Yet, there is a strong possibility that the 2012-13 NHL season will not begin on time because of prolonged CBA fight.

So as we watch the Stanley Cup Finals between the New Jersey Devils and the Los Angeles Kings – there is a possibility that this could be the only NHL hockey we have for a long time.