Can mediator save NHL?

The NHL and the NHLPA need help. They have bungled negotiations, alienated their fans, and kissed the first seven weeks of the season good-bye because of a nasty labor dispute.

But maybe, just maybe, help is on the way.

On Monday, Steve Fehr, special counsel for the NHLPA, said the players' union was open to having a mediator at the bargaining table.

A few weeks ago, Bill Daly, the NHL's deputy commissioner, told me the league was open to a mediator.

So what in the name of Gordie Howe is the delay?

Hire a mediator. Now. And start compromising for the good of the game. Each day the lockout continues, the legue is losing fans by the thousands.

Maybe by the tens of thousands.

Follow Sam Carchidi on Twitter @BroadStBull.