I've always thought that the season would effectively be over when/if the cancellation of the Winter Classic was announced. Well, according to some sources, that would've happened Monday had Sandy not occurred - and will definitely happen by the end of the week. Even though a 60-ish game season is still possible, the Classic needs to be cancelled as soon as possible to keep the NHL from incurring a financial penalty. Bummer.

DUCKS NEWS

• The lockout has stretched out for so long that Bobby Ryan is currently considering playing in Europe. [ESPN]
• The Fort Wayne Komets (our ECHL affiliate) defeated the Gwinnett Gladiators 1-0 on Saturday. [News Sentinel]
• Two updates on prospect Kevin Roy at Northeastern [Western College Hockey Blog #1] [Western College Hockey Blog #2]
• The lockout hasn't stopped the Ducks organization from reading to local kids. [OC Register]
• Bruce Boudreau and his assistants held a coaching clinic for roughly 35 youth and high school at the Honda Center. [Anaheim Ducks]

AROUND THE NHL

• President Obama discusses the NHL lockout. [Admirals Overtime]
• How mad are NHL fans about the lockout? (Also, my Winter Classic rant source). [Puck Daddy]
• The Ottawa Senators have announced a partnership with Ottawa native and PGA Tour player Brad Fritsch. [NHL.com]
• Wayne Simmonds was the recipient of racist taunts during a game in the Czech Republic. Gross.
  • [Broad Street Hockey]
• How much longer will Henry Samueli and the rest of the NHL owners have to stay silent negotiating tactics before they become part of the problem? [Winging It In Motown] [Ed. Note: I learned it only takes eight (8!!!) owners out of thirty (27% "majority") to veto a CBA proposal.]
• The Backhand Shelf Guide to Effective Heckling. [Backhand Shelf]