BETTMAN AND CHELIOS EXCHANGE PEACE OFFERINGS

     "In a conciliatory move designed to help put the ugliness of
the last three months behind him," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman
let Blackhawk Chris Chelios "off with a slap on the wrist" for
threats Chelios directed at Bettman on the eve of the lockout.
Chelios and Blackhawks GM Bob Pulford met with Bettman for 45
minutes yesterday in New York, at which time Chelios apologized
again.  Bettman, in a statement, "chastised" Chelios for his
comments but noted that it was time move on: "We have a lot of
healing to do in the National Hockey League, and it is important
that we get started on that process right now."  Bettman said he
would have been "forced to discipline" Chelios had the comments
been directed at a player, a team, or an executive or other
league official."  Chelios issued a written apology: "My comments
were inexcusable, and I can't express how sorry I am" (Gary
Miles, PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 1/19).