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08:25 AM ET 12.25 | When it comes to division of labor, Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik has a very clear idea of where one burden falls, that of fan outreach after the lockout. [Orpik] hopes the league has a plan to lure fans back into arenas. "Obviously you think about that kind of stuff," said Orpik, who is going through his second lockout. "But the league, that's their side of things. They're the ones who need to worry about marketing. Our job is to play our best. We are the product. There is no league without us." ... "I'm not worried about Pittsburgh," Orpik said. "This is a traditional market. But I worry about places like Florida and Phoenix. They had great playoff runs last year. You hope the fans come back. But it's not our job to worry about that."

Gary Bettman, Getty Images

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December 25, 2012 08:33 AM ET

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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

Canuck eh?

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December 25, 2012 12:18 PM ET

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Dont worry Orpik, Bettman has a plan...the " Thank You Fans " paint on the ice will bring back the fans in droves..the NHL will be stronger than ever....110% capacity across the league.

bostongm

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December 25, 2012 12:42 PM ET

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Tough job that, now that the games ambassadors have been sidelined. Gretzky has been banished and Lemieux has been muzzled. The inmates are in charge of the asylum. Was in Sports Experts the other day and amid the madness and mayhem was a huge area dedicated to NHL products. A great place for a break from the crowds because nobody was there. Pathetic!

Well almost time to tend to the turkey, aptly named "Bettman" this year! Cheer!

Center Ice

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December 25, 2012 03:24 PM ET

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"Orpik: Bringing fans back is the league's job"

Don't worry about it, Brooks. Just concentrate on doing your job and everything else will fall into place.

roamer

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December 25, 2012 05:17 PM ET

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BREAKING NEWS: The lockout is still going on and Bettman is the spawn of satin!

Dmerc62

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December 25, 2012 05:17 PM ET

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satan damn auto correction

Dmerc62

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December 25, 2012 07:21 PM ET

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QUOTE(#5):

Originally posted 05:17 PM ET 12.25 by Dmerc62

BREAKING NEWS: The lockout is still going on and Bettman is the spawn of satan!

You forgot to mention his twin brother. Gary Bettman and Don Fehr are Abaddon and Apollyon, the evil twins of Gehenna.

What chance does the NHL have against those two?

roamer

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December 28, 2012 01:43 PM ET

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Mr. Orpik, you are a moron. You better worry because without us fans you will be talking out a large plaster head at the local drive thru in a couple years. Not your job to worry about bringing the fans back, what a dolt!