With the NHL in the middle of another lockout, ESPN analyst/hockey man/mullet person Barry Melrose has been occasionally chronicling his thoughts on Twitter the past several weeks. In that time, we've seen hockey's only voice on the Worldwide Leader slowly lose his hopes for an NHL season.
In the first few days of the lockout, Barry came out firing with frustration over the constant bickering between both sides:
Back in Bristol always great to get back after summer but wish I wasn't talking about lockout. It doesn't look good.
- NHLBarryMelrose (@NHLBarryMelrose) September 12, 2012
It's really brutal that a deal can't get done in pro sports without a work stoppage.these are smart men can't they agree before this.
- NHLBarryMelrose (@NHLBarryMelrose) September 13, 2012
It's not fair that the stars who don't need the money all go to Europe to play for big money while their union brothersstay home broke
- NHLBarryMelrose (@NHLBarryMelrose) September 17, 2012
After a month without commenting, Barry came back with some actual optimism after the owners submitted a proposal to the NHLPA. Things were looking up!
This is a good step in the right direction now players r on the clock.They have to say why or why not this is good. Let's hope 4 good news
- NHLBarryMelrose (@NHLBarryMelrose) October 17, 2012
That hope was short-lived, though, and Barry's tweets soon took a sad turn.
I am hoping that all these reports are window dressings and progress is being made. In negotiating in the end both sides have to be unhappy
- NHLBarryMelrose (@NHLBarryMelrose) October 19, 2012
Trying to get to Fl. But Sandy has other ideas. I need sunshine to make me forget what is going on in NHL. I gave people way to much credit
- NHLBarryMelrose (@NHLBarryMelrose) October 30, 2012
Halloween NHL style used to be the best. Costumes were very creative mostly I can't tell you about. Great when teammates got together
- NHLBarryMelrose (@NHLBarryMelrose) October 31, 2012
Jesus. Do you see what you're doing to poor Barry Melrose, NHL? You're reducing him to recollecting his fond memories of hockey, like a washed-up high school football star who still wears his letterman jacket when he goes to the hardware store. Barry, you deserve better. Stay strong, and remember: there's always some hockey you can watch. We suggest the re-broadcast of Game 3 of the 2006 Western Conference finals between the Ducks and Oilers, which airs tonight at 1 a.m. on the NHL Network.
