Nashville Predators Holiday List – 25 Days of Predsmas: Week 2
By Colin Blouin
Before Tony Stark became Iron Man, before Steve Rodgers became Capatain America, before Bruce Wayne became Batman, there was the original story. I’m talking about “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town“. Who was the villain? Burgermeister Meisterburger. What made him such a villain? He wanted to outlaw gift-giving and jail anyone with a toy – he basically wanted to rob the community of any joy that could possibly be had. Does this sound familiar? It should.
It’s pretty clear that one of the least fun people in the NHL, a man constantly booed, and deservedly so, is Gary Bettman, and he’s our Burgermeister Meisterburger. He has held his role as Commissioner of the NHL since February 1, 1993. In the time since, there has been not one, not two, but three lockouts, and Bettman has been at the helm of three of the four NHL lockouts in history.
What’s my take on this? I have a gut feeling because of how the 2021 season has been negotiated, another lockout may be on the way, and once again, Bettman will probably deserve to shoulder much of the blame. He doesn’t want us to have fun.
Many would argue he doesn’t deserve a happy holiday season, and I would tend to agree. Enjoy this chorus of boos: