Sports

Dissolving the union is considered a last resort: it would pave the way for an antitrust lawsuit against the NHL, which could make the situation worse or be a necessary push to ending the lockout. "After watching the other sport leagues go through labor disputes last year, it is apparent that until decertification is filed, there will not be any real movement or negotiation," Miller said. "Many things in our negotiation are very consistent with the NFL and NBA negotiations, and both of those leagues filed papers necessary to decertify. ... Decertification becomes part of the script because Gary Bettman and the owners are trying to get a sense of how far they can push us and at some point we have to say 'enough.' ... Decertification is a push back and should show we want a negotiation and a fair deal on at least some of our terms."