Throughout the controversy surrounding the CBA renewal, the NHL followed an open strategy of communication. Its message was simple: it believed the league was financially sick, and the only way to restore its health was to impose a salary cap. The NHL stressed that a prolonged lockout or strike would have serious adverse effects for the sport, and that several teams would likely be forced to crease operations, causing the loss of many player jobs. The NHL took the stance that it was concerned with the very survival of professional hockey. As well, it stressed that it had nothing to hide and earnestly wanted to reach a fair and viable solution.