LOCKOUT: Day 54 – Just off the Crossbar!

Feb 24, 2012; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres center Derek Roy (9) scores the winning goal against Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask (40) in the shootout at the First Niagara Center. Sabres beat the Bruins 2-1 in a shootout. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-US PRESSWIRE

Another session of talks are in the books between the players’ union and the league.  Mostly the discussions from what I’ve read have been on Make Whole and revenue sharing. The league will fight hard to get concessions there. I don’t think the NHLPA will fight that one too much

“I don’t really have much to say,” said Bettman. “We met with the players’ association the last three days and we’re planning on meeting again tomorrow. But I’m not going to discuss the negotiations or the substance of what we’re talking about. ” when pressed by the media for something, Bettman was direct. “I really don’t think that would be helpful for the process.” (I bet you wish you had thought of that several months ago, eh Gary?)  The media then asked to comment of Fehr’s comments (see below) and Bettman again played the cards close to the vest. (Whether that is due to ignorance or planning is unclear.) “I don’t know what Don Fehr said, but the fact is we have a lot of work to do and we’re working hard.”

Fehr was similarly tight-lipped. The NHLPA director has usually been pretty vocal about the lack of progress between the warring parties up to this point.  “All I can say is that we discussed a wide range of topics relating to the issues between us,” he said. “I really can’t say more than that at this point.

So, I guess we’re back to no news is good news.

Most outlets have run with the back half of this quote. “We have a lot of work to do,” says Bettman. “We’re working hard,” says Bettman.