And now for a rare moment of levity in what's become a sea of sadness for hockey fans.

Nashville Predators defenseman Hal Gill had a rather interesting way to describe Thursday's CBA negotiations and the NHL's rejection of three NHLPA proposals. 

“Leaving the conference call, I was sure a deal would be done,” Gill told the Tennessean's Josh Cooper on Thursday. “For it not to happen, it’s a bigger letdown than Fruit Stripe gum. It’s really good, and then it quickly loses its flavor and it’s awful.”

That's just perfect.

There was definitely optimism heading into Thursday's meetings in Toronto, but all of that was quickly erased when commissioner Gary Bettman said that he was totally disappointed with the day's events and that it still seems like the two sides aren't speaking the same language.

It's expected that the NHL will cancel more regular season games in the coming days, perhaps as early as Friday.

In related news, one company that probably won't be contacting Gill for an endorsement deal: Farley's 7 Sathers Candy, the company that makes Fruit Stripe gum.

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