Katie Strang

  (3:01 PM)

Hey everyone. Sorry this week's chat doesn't bring better news on the hockey front. Last week's developments were disheartening, to say the least.And as of 2 p.m. no future meetings between the two sides had been scheduled.But, just because they aren't doing much talking doesn't mean we can't!With that said, fire away...

Jake (MN)

Are Fehr and Bettman so afraid of one another that neither will sit down and actually bargain? The NHLPA has taken multiple days to respond to each of the Leagues proposals...and the NHL has shot down each counter-proposal in a matter of minutes and then walked out of the room. They are not as far apart as they are leading us to believe. There is no way that a couple hours of one-one bargaining won't lead to an agreement. Or instead of fear is it just that neither one really cares if there is actually any hockey as long as their egos stay intact?

Katie Strang

  (3:03 PM)

Afraid of each other? Far from it. They are both pretty fierce and accomplished negotiators. And regardless of where you stand, it's impossible not to acknowledge that these are two very bright men. The stalemate has happened not because they are afraid each other but because the two sides are diametrically opposed in terms on key financial issues. Namely, the union doesn't want any immediate salary cuts, while the league wants to decrease the players' share significantly

Shark Byte (Shark tank)

when the league offered their new 50-50 plan Tuesday last week , they said they also dont ask salary roll back from the players , this is what confuse me , the NHLPA third offer included players agree to 50-50 + owners must honor all the contracts till today , so whats the problem ?

Katie Strang

  (3:06 PM)

The problem is, both sides' offer of "50/50" is somewhat misleading and it boils down to the "make whole" concept. The league has offered to honor the players' existing contracts already on the books with deferred payments. However, this plan essentially means robbing Peter to pay Paul. The players would be subsidizing these payments down the road. Meanwhile, the union's proposal would have the owners shouldering 13% instead of having the players roll back or get hit with escrow.

Jeff (Kalamazoo, MI)

With no scheduled meetings this week, what needs to happen for a deal to be made in time to preserve an 82 game season? Who blinks first?

Katie Strang

  (3:08 PM)

Jeff- 1) Glad to see some hockey love from West Michigan (I'm from Rockford :) )2) I do believe the two sides will meet this week -- my guess is Wednesday -- but they would need to accomplish quite a bit to be able to salvage the 82-game season. Essentially, they need to agree on a "make-whole" provision that works for both sides, not to mention some all-important systemic issues (entry-level contract, back-diving deals, arbitration, etc).Do I think they will accomplish that this week?Nope, I don't

Jesse S. (Carmel, NY)

Katie, since we don't have live NHL games to talk about, let's reminisce. What is your list of the greatest games you ever saw live during your lifetime (either in the arena or live on TV)? My tops are 1998 Czech-Canada Olympic Semis, 1994 NYR-NJD Game 7, 2009 Pitt-Det Game 7, 1996 USA-Canada Game 3, 2010 USA-Canada Gold Medal Game, 2008 Pitt-Det Game 5. I think we are about the same age so the Miracle on Ice, '87 Canada Cup and '72 Summit Series all pre-date us.

Katie Strang

  (3:13 PM)

A non-lockout question!Favorite would have to be this past Winter Classic. Was a tremendous game and event...city of Philly did a great job as did HBO setting the stage. Genuine hate in the rivalry and it turned out to be a pretty captivating game.After that, would be the triple-overtime thriller between the Rangers and Caps in the eastern conference semifinals this past spring (and only partly because of the dim sum dinner a few of us scribes devoured at 4 am following the game...)And, please don't mistake me for a blood-thirsty neanderthal, BUT, I would have to say that my favorite live game that I covered (from a sheer spectacle perspective) was the epic Islanders-Penguins game that ended with a 346 penalty minutes and multiple ejections. Not hockey at it's purest, but entertaining nonetheless.

Rocky (Oreland)

Hey, Katie- what is YOUR gut feeling- will we get a settlement this week? Will we get one later, with a compressed season... or will we have nothing?

Katie Strang

  (3:14 PM)

Gut feeling? No settlement this week, but we will get one within the next two to three weeks, which means a shortened season. Would guess 60 games or so

Tony (Denver)

Has anybody asked the players why they are willing to hold out for a deal that sees them make their hypothetical 12% when it appears that games will be lost, meaning at least 20% of their salary this year is gone.

Katie Strang

  (3:16 PM)

It's a pretty straightforward stance from the players. In terms of being pragmatic vs. principled, they are choosing to stand on the latter. I think they are willing to sit out this year if it means getting what they want and feel they deserve for the future

Katie Strang

  (3:16 PM)

It's a pretty straightforward stance from the players. In terms of being pragmatic vs. principled, they are choosing to stand on the latter. I think they are willing to sit out this year if it means getting what they want and feel they deserve for the future

Jeremy (Texas)

Why do I continue to read articles expressing optimism by various writers? It seems that the two sides aren't talking or working on anything new at this point. Am I missing something?

Katie Strang

  (3:18 PM)

Because when you boil it all down, Jeremy, they are speaking the same language now, despite what Gary Bettman said. The fact that both sides approached the 50/50 split (even if they son't agree on how) means that the negotiations are gaining some traction. They have pinpointed the issues that are paramount to both sides, and I think there is enough wiggle room to forge some common ground and get a deal done.

Joe (Rahway, NJ)

Do you think there is more going on behind the scenes that is leaking out to the public? I would imagine both sides are talking/meeting much more than meets the eye. A lot of money is being lost here ...

Katie Strang

  (3:20 PM)

Sure, absolutely. What you saw in Toronto last week was largely optics. Bettman seemed livid in his post-proposal press-conference and it was immediately assumed to mean hockey armageddon.Once cooler heads prevailed, I think people recognized there is a deal to be made here.And the two sides ARE talking, just not negotiating. Steve Fehr and Bill Daly spoke both days this weekend and the sides had a conference call to clarify some issues on HRR. Not claiming there isn't some residual hostility between the two camps, but they are not ignoring each other, either.

Dara (Boca Raton, Fl)

Why does it seem like there is NO sense of urgency on either side to get a deal done. Both sides may have different opinions but they are never going to move past them or be able to meet in the middle with not meeting

Katie Strang

  (3:23 PM)

From covering these negotiations I can empathize with the frustration over a lack of urgency, although I truly believe the fans have it the worst.But, remember the bargaining process is a pretty deliberate, calculated dance and I think what we have right now is the two sides playing a pretty dangerous game of chicken.Believe me, each side has their own internal pressure points, even if we aren't privvy to them.

Katie Strang

  (3:23 PM)

From covering these negotiations I can empathize with the frustration over a lack of urgency, although I truly believe the fans have it the worst.But, remember the bargaining process is a pretty deliberate, calculated dance and I think what we have right now is the two sides playing a pretty dangerous game of chicken.Believe me, each side has their own internal pressure points, even if we aren't privvy to them.

Robert (Toronto)

Let's be honest, there is no good reason for today, unless someone is creating some sort of proposal, that Bettman, Daly and the Feh'rs are not looked into a boardroom and negotiating, with a deadline looming, there is no excuse.

Katie Strang

  (3:26 PM)

There is a drinking game we used to play in college called Edward 40-hands...which involved duck-taping a 40 oz of beer on both hands. Couldn't use your hands for anything else until you finished...and believe me there were plenty of temptations (answering the phone, grabbing snacks, going to the bathroom) that incentivized drinking those suckers quickly. I rather like that idea for negotiations. Wheel in a keg, deliver some chinese food and lock them in there until there is a resolution

Katie Strang

  (3:26 PM)

There is a drinking game we used to play in college called Edward 40-hands...which involved duck-taping a 40 oz of beer on both hands. Couldn't use your hands for anything else until you finished...and believe me there were plenty of temptations (answering the phone, grabbing snacks, going to the bathroom) that incentivized drinking those suckers quickly. I rather like that idea for negotiations. Wheel in a keg, deliver some chinese food and lock them in there until there is a resolution

Katie Strang

  (3:27 PM)

There is a drinking game we used to play in college called Edward 40-hands...which involved duck-taping a 40 oz of beer on both hands. Couldn't use your hands for anything else until you finished...and believe me there were plenty of temptations (answering the phone, grabbing snacks, going to the bathroom) that incentivized drinking those suckers quickly. I rather like that idea for negotiations. Wheel in a keg, deliver some chinese food and lock them in there until there is a resolution

Rob (NJ)

have you heard of any rumors of the two sides actually meeting this week? It's been very quiet on that front.

Katie Strang

  (3:29 PM)

I talked to someone involved in negotiations earlier this afternoon and he thinks that the two sides will meet at some point this week

Katie Strang

  (3:30 PM)

I talked to someone involved in negotiations earlier this afternoon and he thinks that the two sides will meet at some point this week

Katie Strang

  (3:30 PM)

I talked to someone involved in negotiations earlier this afternoon and he thinks that the two sides will meet at some point this week

Brian (East Lansing, MI)

Imagining there was no lockout this year, what story were you most looking forward to this season? For me, the top story would be how the Devils respond without Parise. A lot of people aren't giving them any love saying how they wont come close to where they were last year. I'm optimistic

Katie Strang

  (3:33 PM)

East Lansing! Was just pining for some Menna's Joint yesterday...Think that's a great storyline as is Parise's new club, the Minnesota Wild. How does Mike Yeo respond as second-year coach with the star power obtained this July? And speaking of Parise and Suter joining forces -- they signed identical $98m contracts on July 4 -- how awkward is it going to be between Craig Leipold (a visible member of the owner's crew during lockout talks) and his players once the CBA is resolved.Awkward...

Jason (NJ)

Is Gary Bettman more of the problem or part of the solution? This is his 3rd lockout, so I'd want to think that maybe he's part of the problem.

Katie Strang

  (3:36 PM)

One thing I can say is that his last press conference went a long way into really upsetting several players. They feel he has been unfair, condescending and disrespectful and Thursday's theatrics did nothing to dismiss this feeling among the union. He certainly galvanized the group, who are pretty strongly united in their universal dislike for the guy. The fact that this is the third lockout under his watch doesn't help, either....

deon (newfoundland , Canada)

nick kypreos of spostnet in canad just tweeted that any news of talks this wednesday in ny is news to donald fehr.. this is a disaster if they dont meet before dealine isnt it?

Katie Strang

  (3:37 PM)

No, it just means less than an 82-game season. I don't think the possibility of losing the season altogether surfaces unless no deal is made by Thanksgiving. Doesn't leave much time, though

Ryan M Bayer (Santa Clara, CA)

Why do you think the owners are being un-reasonable to the NHLPA's three proposals from last week? It seems like they are un-willing to make sacrifices and yet there telling the players to make sacrifices. Does that make any sense at all? Just curious on your thoughts.

Katie Strang

  (3:39 PM)

Probably because they can. The lockout gives them the upper hand in leverage, any way you slice it. And owners almost always come out ahead in these things. But, remember this: it's really impossible to know how much of the ownership supports the direction of negotiations since there is a bylaw that specifically prevents any of them from talking about it. It's probably more realistic to assume it's a handful of hawkish types that are driving the bus on this...

Matt (Steinway)

Has there been any discussion about realignment in the CBA talks? is the nauseating proposal of having the first two playoff rounds be competed in the division still on the table? I can suffer through a lockout, but if the NHL comes back with an inane playoff system like the one they proposed during last season I am packing my bags for good.

Katie Strang

  (3:41 PM)

Fairly certain this has not been discussed at length, nor has olympic participation. Just goes to show you that it's really only the meat-and-potatoes issues that are garnering attention at this point

Bryan (Short Hill, NJ)

Who do you think would win in a fight? Burnside or Lebrun?

Katie Strang

  (3:42 PM)

Bryan- I will place them at opposite ends of the shuffleboard table the next time I see them and let you know

Aaron (Everett, WA)

Could you see the end of Bettman's tenure as commissioner coming soon? Seems like this lockout has really taken a lot out of him. I don't know if he cares about the negative publicity he receives (every year getting jeered during the Cup presentation), but it has to wear on him a little. If he goes, who's next in line to succeed him? Daly? Brian Burke? Someone off the radar?

Katie Strang

  (3:43 PM)

Probably depends on how this plays out, but yes, I can see this as his last hurrah. If that's the case I'm assuming Bill Daly would be his successor.

Daniel (Bar Harbor, Maine)

Who would you rather fight; a Horse sized Gary Bettman, or 100 Duck sized Donald Fehr?

Katie Strang

  (3:44 PM)

Judging from the pace of negotiations, I might have a hard time getting either one to engage in more than a staring contest...

Katie Strang

  (3:45 PM)

Ok, all, gotta cut it a little short today but thanks for all the awesome questions.As always, come back next week and hopefully we'll have some better news to discuss!