Preparing for the Worst: In a move expected to be followed by other teams, the Carolina Hurricanes have let go fifteen percent of their staff in anticipation of the impending NHL labor problem. The Phoenix Coyotes are considering a similar move.



Sabernomics writes that labor shortages do not harm attendance, but I don't think the NHL wants to find out. Especially in much of the United States, fans will not wait long before turning to basketball or other sports to fill the hockey void. I have never feared for the fate of baseball or any other sport due to a labor stoppage, but hockey could be in real trouble. Teams could be forced to cease operations or fans could disappear and never come back. It will be both interesting and possibly sad to watch.

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