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As we are all aware, at this point, the lockout is allegedly a difference of opinion between players and owners, but in truth is a problem caused by an income disparity between wealthy teams and those that aren’t as well off.

The continued lockout has more to do with those poorer teams trying to find a way to make the business profitable. The moneyed teams, on the other hand, and those with a little bit of momentum in that direction are eager to end the lockout and get back to the ice. This disparity in the ownership goals is one of the reasons I suspect that the owners will inevitably break before the players.

Another team that might be leaning towards the idea of ending the lockout is the Islanders, who have recently announced their move to Brooklyn, starting in 2015.  The Isles now have a plan to make money and a strong future. Going forward, they will be among the profitable teams in the NHL. Will they help push the league to end their lock out?

Probably not. The Islanders will still lose money when the league comes back this year (if they do so under the existing CBA). After all, the change in venue will take place a few years down the line. Even then, when they do make it to Brooklyn, they would still have more money in their coffers with the ownership deal.

Common sense still won’t prevail in this situation. The Islanders move out of Nassau County may make sense, but clearly, that’s where logic ends.

(While we are talking about New York, I do want to make sure I express my concern and wishes for a quick recovery for everyone in the Mid Atlantic, Great Lakes and New England.)

Ice Insiders Chris Berry Interactive Chris Berry Interactive