NHL Small-Group Talks Continue After Positive Signs Yesterday

Small-group talks between players and owners resume today in N.Y. before the 11:00am ET NHL BOG meeting and "hopefully after it as well," said NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly. Yesterday's meetings lasted "more than seven hours," and for "perhaps the first time since the NHL lockout began on Sept. 15, participants said they were encouraged by a negotiating session." Many players involved credited Penguins co-Owner Ron Burkle "for much of the progress" (NYTIMES.com, 12/5).

Sources said that they expect NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman at today's BOG meeting to "face pointed questions from some owners who have bitten their tongues long enough as the NHL lockout hits Day 81." One source said, "I would think the owners who haven't said anything are going to finally have their say after they get updated on where the discussions are at because nobody is happy where this is at" (OTTAWA SUN, 12/5).