Montreal Gazette sports writer following NHL season through NHL '13

For any sports fan, and more specifically video game sports fans, we’re used to big games being simulated to see the outcome.  ESPN has been simulating each week in the NFL using NFL Madden to predict the winner (and for you gamblers, predict the lines). As of recently, the Super Bowl game has been getting the deluxe treatment with game highlights and commentary a la a SportsCenter segment. During last year's NBA and NFL lockout, many were concerned (more like terrified) that Madden and 2K were going to be the only options for professional sports. Luckily, we didn't have to worry about that (the NBA did cancel 20+ games, but we still got an exciting season still), but NHL fans are currently living this nightmare (for the second time in 7 years).   

The running joke last year on ESPN’s Daily Dime was that the bloggers would have to cover games via NBA 2K12. In no way shape or form is a lockout a good sign for anyone, but the Montreal Gazette isn’t taking this lost season lying down.  While the NHL season is on lockout, they’ve tasked their Montreal Canadiens beat writer to cover the team based on NHL 13.  So cheers to you Pat Hickey (and the Gazette) for not settling and here's to hopeing an entire season isn't lost to Gary Bettman...again!