<P> The 2004 -- 05 NHL lockout was a lockout that resulted in the cancellation of what would have been the 88th season of play of the National Hockey League ( NHL ) . It was the first time the Stanley Cup was not awarded since 1919 , the first time a major professional sports league in North America canceled a complete season because of a labor dispute , and the second time after the 1994 -- 1995 MLB strike that the postseason of a major professional sports league in North America was canceled . The lockout lasted 10 months and 6 days starting September 16 , 2004 , the day after the collective bargaining agreement ( CBA ) between the NHL and the NHL Players Association ( NHLPA ) that resolved the 1994 -- 95 lockout expired . The lockout of the 2004 -- 2005 season resulted in 1,230 unplayed games . The negotiating teams reached an agreement on July 13 , 2005 , and the lockout officially ended 9 days later on July 22 , after both the NHL owners and players ratified the CBA . </P>
<P> The 2004 -- 05 NHL lockout was a lockout that resulted in the cancellation of what would have been the 88th season of play of the National Hockey League ( NHL ) . It was the first time the Stanley Cup was not awarded since 1919 , the first time a major professional sports league in North America canceled a complete season because of a labor dispute , and the second time after the 1994 -- 1995 MLB strike that the postseason of a major professional sports league in North America was canceled . The lockout lasted 10 months and 6 days starting September 16 , 2004 , the day after the collective bargaining agreement ( CBA ) between the NHL and the NHL Players Association ( NHLPA ) that resolved the 1994 -- 95 lockout expired . The lockout of the 2004 -- 2005 season resulted in 1,230 unplayed games . The negotiating teams reached an agreement on July 13 , 2005 , and the lockout officially ended 9 days later on July 22 , after both the NHL owners and players ratified the CBA . </P>
why was there an nhl lockout in 2005
why was there an nhl lockout in 2005
a labor dispute
a labor dispute