Sid The Saviour?

Much to the likely chagrin of Gary Bettman and Donald Fehr, a group of 18 players and 6 owners met yesterday in a long bargaining session that saw both sides emerge from the talks with an air of positivity.

At the center of the storm was the Pittsburgh contingent of Sidney Crosby and owners Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle are allegedly at the front of the talks aimed at getting the season going.  Even the seconds in command from each side (Bill Daly and Steve Fehr) emerged from the talks and actually stood side by side to answer questions from the media after the talks broke for the night.  The two sides plan to resume discussions today (Wednesday).

April 11, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) skates with the puck against the Philadelphia Flyers during the first period in game one of the 2012 Eastern Conference quarterfinals at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

So all the Sidney Crosby haters will have either something to complain about or will have to regretfully acknowledge his impact to the game off the ice as well as on it.  Hey, if his contribution helps get a deal done and save the season, more power to him.

Who needs Bettman and Fehr when you have Sid and Mario?