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NHL lockout: Ryan Malone not optimistic

Tampa Bay wingers Ryan Malone and B.J. Crombeen both commented on the lockout, with Malone suggesting it's going to be a long one and Crombeen saying that the players are more than willing to negotiate.

By Pete Eich
Rick Stewart - Getty Images

Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Ryan Malone isn't a source of optimism about the NHL lockout, reports the Tampa Bay Times. They quote Malone:

"It doesn't look good. Most of the guys, we're in there talking, the way it sounds we're prepared to be locked out the whole year."

Malone compared the situation to the 2004-2005 lockout, where the entire season was loss and players saw a salary cut of 24 percent. Lighting right wing B.J. Crombeen, who is part of the Players Association negotiation committee, was also quoted. He was a bit more positive than Malone:

"We've said, 'We're here, we're ready. Let us know when you're ready to talk to us.' "

It has been 15 days since the last formal negotiation session.

The statements from both players echo those made earlier by Lightning head coach Guy Boucher, who said he was staying positive but feared a long lockout.

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