Already feeling the pain

The 2012 version of the NHL lockout is just over a week old and I can't help feel a bit emotional.

Upset because the lockout is actually happening.

Even more upset because it seems like both sides don't want to budge.

Nervous because I originally thought the lockout would be a quick; I may be wrong.

Puzzled because the owners are fighting to lower the 57% of revenue handed to the players, but dished out over $200 million in new contracts over a two-day span before the lockout.

Confused as to why the players' offer is based on guaranteed money; what if the NHL loses money in any season, does it make sense to dish out a guaranteed sum to the players?

Enraged every time I see Gary Bettman or Donald Fehr speaking on television. Less time in front of the cameras and more time behind closed doors please!!

A little sad because the Toronto Maple Leafs are not plastered all over my television, the newspaper or the Internet. As bad as the Leafs have been since the last lockout in 2004-05, you never lose faith that this next season could be the breakout year.

Hope. It may be dwindling as the days pass, but there is still hope that this dreadful lockout will come to an end.