How much the NHL benefits from the lockout depends on who they sign a TV deal with after this season is up. Versus has done a pronominal job with coverage and making the NHL its linchpin, surrounding it (or at least trying to surround it) with better programming and post-game stuff. But I don't know that it is the network that can help the NHL hang with the NBA-TNT marriage, much less the monster that is the NFL (currently locking out over 9 million in revenues... sheesh.)
If nothing else, it means more sportscenter time for hockey outside of fights, dirty hits, and random Sid/Ovie highlights.