I went to the United Center in Chicago Wednesday night to see a Dave Matthews concert. Terrific show and talk about being a gamer. Matthews played on despite clearly being under the weather.

However, I was depressed by one thing I didn’t see at the UC: Ice. The floor was a floor, because the Blackhawks and hockey are on ice for now, and after what happened last night, for the forseeable future.

NBC Sports Network is trying to fill the huge gap by airing college hockey. They are using the A-team with Mike Emrick and Pierre McGuire. Friday, they’ll be on hand for Michigan State at Notre Dame.

Given Emrick’s stature, this is almost like Vin Scully being on the call for a MSU-Notre Dame baseball game.

It’s always great to hear Emrick on hockey, but it’s not the same. College hockey is a long way from the NHL. Everything, from the size of the arenas to the caliber of play, is on a much smaller scale.

Time to come back NHL. I need to see some ice at the United Center.