The NHL Lockout has now hit its 86th day and it seems like the two sides might be interested in returning to negotiations this week.
According to NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly, both sides are "trying to set up something for this week, but nothing finalized yet."
Unfortunately, this news accompanies more bad news: the NHL has cancelled more games through December 30. Eklund of Hockeybuzz.com reported over the weekend that a source was "99.9% sure of 48-52 game NHL season starting on or around January 12th." That kind of season would likely push the NHL Playoffs back into middle to late June as well. Back when the NHL had half a season in 1994-95, they played a 48 game schedule.
Analysis
Remaining positive about any good news is becoming increasingly difficult after last week's roller coaster. The players and owners met for a few hours Tuesday and Wednesday with good news coming from both sides. As late as Wednesday night, the internet was abuzz over a podium the NHL put up in New York. NHLPA Executive Director Donald Fehr even went so far as to say a deal was close on Thursday before negotiations went south again. In an ensuing press conference, Commissioner Gary Bettman vehemently stated that the negotiations were in a terrible state and that it was wrong of the union to even tease at a deal being close.
The fact that the two sides want to meet again shows an interest in getting the deal done, but at this point the only reason to be excited is if the two sides formerly announce the deal being official.
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