The fans anger at Bettman regarding the previous lockouts, and the threat of another, is legitimate. After all, he’s the commissioner, the face of the NHL in CBA talks, so he deserves his fair share of blame for the work stoppages.

However, those who claim he’s "destroying the NHL" with his hardline stance in labor negotiations must understand he’s acting on behalf of the team owners, and negotiates on their behalf. If his escalating salary (up to nearly $8 million in 2011, compared to $3.77 million in 2004) is anything to go by, most of those owners must be pleased with his efforts.