It appears that NHL 2K6 and NHL 2006 won't be puck fans' only outlet for their hockey fandom now that, after 24 straight hours of meetings, the NHL and the NHLPA have finally entered an agreement to end the 301-day-long lockout. According to the ESPN article, one source said a draft lottery will be held on July 21, and the entry draft to take place on July 30. The salary cap numbers mentioned in the article include a ceiling in the upper $30 millions and a minimum in the low-to-mid $20 millions, which is pretty much exactly what was reported by TSN a few weeks ago after bargaining sessions ended.

　　Both sides still need to ratify the agreement, something ESPN's Scott Burnside doesn't necessarily consider a sure thing, especially on the players' side of things. Once complete, we'll get to watch the drama unfold as teams keep their fingers crossed in the hopes of drafting Sidney Crosby, then scurry to fill out the rest of their depleted rosters. And, of course, the begins the task of rebuilding the league's shattered public perception in front of a largely apathetic viewing audience.

　　I say we all fire up some NHL 2K5 tonight in celebration. After 301 days dead, hockey appears to be back.