Remember all that optimism we had yesterday about NHL hockey being on the horizon. About that...

I think the writing was on the wall when Bettman told numerous media outlets yesterday he believed the talks had taken a step backward and that the two sides were still not close to an agreement.

They've only cancelled games through Nov. 1, so the season could still technically begin Nov. 2. But there would have to be some pretty significant headway made between now and next week.

Four Flyers games were affected by this latest round of cancellations -- Oct. 25 at Montreal, Oct. 27 vs. Toronto, Oct. 28 at Buffalo, Oct. 30 vs. Dallas -- and the NHL has cancelled 135 games overall.

More after tonight's game. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. New York time, but the Phantoms say it will actually be closer to 6:20 p.m. because of Opening Night festivities on The Rock.

Until next time,
MC