The NHL lockout is making kids cry and long ago ruined the New York Islanders' planned Oct. 2 preseason game in Brooklyn's shiny new Barclays Center. That lockout is now in its second month.

But today...something: The Islanders this morning announced that they would hold a press conference at Barclays Center early this afternoon. Granted, commissioner Gary Bettman doesn't have much going on right now -- what with the NHL and NHLPA in a staring contest to see how badly they can damage the league -- but he is among the heavy hitters scheduled to appear, as is Mayor Bloomberg:

WHAT: Press Conference

WHO: New York Islanders Owner Charles B. Wang, Barclays Center Majority Owner and Developer Bruce Ratner, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Islanders General Manager Garth Snow, and Barclays Center and Brooklyn Nets CEO Brett Yormark

WHERE: Barclays Center
620 Atlantic Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11217

Media to enter main entrance.

WHEN: TODAY, Wednesday, October 24, 2012, 1 p.m.

Located atop one of the largest transportation hubs in New York City, Barclays Center is accessible by 11 subway lines, the Long Island Rail Road, and 11 bus lines.

What do you suppose it will be?

You have under three hours. Speculate away.