The lockout is finally over, and the Dudes could not wait to record a new podcast exploring all the details, and talking excitedly about the upcoming season.

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The Dudes try to talk about the two goods thing happening to San Jose hockey – the Bulls coming to play at HP Pavilion, and the success of the Worchester Sharks.  But the depressing lockout talk continues on.

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Dudes talk about stuff. Happy Thanksgiving.

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The Dudes have almost run out of things to talk about, so Kevin Kurz is gracious enough to join us.  He fills us in on the lockout comings and goings (or lack thereof) the JR-Marleau spat, and other Sharks topics.

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Sorry for another post explaining why there’s no podcast this week, but at least there’s a reason. But first, the lockout. I can’t help but be hopeful given all the negotiation that’s been happening the past few days. I wish I understood why both sides suddenly decided to stop with the press releases and start talking amongst themselves; some speculate it’s because of the Winter Classic cancellation, but really? No one saw that coming? For whatever reason, the “public posturing” section of the lockout has finished, and the “marathon negotiation” section has begun.  It certainly seemed obvious weeks ago that the two sides were not far apart, with the NHL practically branding their 50-50 offer (with supposed “make whole” provision) on the moon, and the players responding in kind with 50-50 proposals of their own.  Then both sides sat on their hands for a while- maybe they were scared about Hurricane Sandy? Or didn’t want to miss any Homeland episodes?  Even though all this time has been wasted, it certainly seems plausible the season could happen again, and some are even talking about a December 1 start date, and a 70-game season.

The out-of-sorts feeling is in full effect for me- I spent a lot of time sitting this week on the couch during the evening feeling strange.  I finally realized that this time of year, the 7-10 PM hours are almost always spent going to a game, watching a game, or thinking about a game.  I can’t wait for that feeling to begin again.

But alternatives still exist.  Scott Gomez actually signed a player contract with the Alaska Aces, who already have Joey Crabb and Brandon Dubinsky.  Seto just played with the Ontario Reign against the Bulls (who have a dismal record).  And Ryane Clowe signed a practice contract, but I could see him playing a few games, to get tuned up.

Here’s another alternative.  This is absolutely real, and explains why the podcasts have been sparser than usual.  Needless to say I already have tickets.

Master of the Hiz-ouse

We will be back next week, and I already have a guest booked, which I hope will make up for our absences.

The owners presented a deal that at first glance does not appear to be bat guano, and the Dudes are a little encouraged.  They talk about what is currently known about the deal, how it might affect the Sharks were it to be ratified by the union, and the Bulls game the DOH group went to last weekend.

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Not much is happening in the NHL other than CBA posturing, but the podcast soldiers on.  The Dudes talk about some Sharks prospects, where NHL players might go during the lockout, and other fascinating tidbits.

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Even though basically nothing has happened in the Sharks world in the last two weeks, the Dudes soldier on, talking about the CBA, the Sergei Samsonov rumor, and other minutia.

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Not much is happening in the world of hockey right now, and the other premier free agent left is Shane Doan.  Mike and Doug talk about his alleged contract demands, the CBA, and take some listener emails.

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Still plenty of things to talk about, as Doug and Mike discuss the Nash trade to the Rangers, the Shea Weber offer sheet, and the departure of Daniel Winnik, all driven by listener emails.

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