NHL, NHLPA back at negotiating table in New York

NEW YORK – The NHL and the players' association have resumed negotiations in an effort to avoid a lockout this weekend.

After not meeting face to face since last Friday, the sides gathered Wednesday at the league office before the NHLPA holds player meetings later Wednesday at a nearby midtown hotel.

The NHL board of governors will convene Thursday with Commissioner Gary Bettman, while the union holds a second day of discussions with as many as 250 players.

The hastily scheduled negotiating session for Wednesday came just hours after NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said owners and players were both to blame for their failure to reach a new collective bargaining agreement before the current deal expires on Saturday.