Both sides still talking but no progress

Representatives from the NHL and the NHLPA met in the same room with federal mediators Thursday. No noticeable progress was made however, especially on the main issues, and the two sides are no closer to a new CBA.

NHLPA representative Steve Fehr did say both parties will likely talk on Friday but was not clear whether it would be by phone or in person. Deputy commissioner Bill Daly said he expected to talk with Steve Fehr on Friday.

Daly also expects the mediators to stay involved in the process but there were no further meetings planned. Donald Fehr and Gary Bettman have not met during the session this week.

Meanwhile President Obama weighed in on the dispute addressing the stalemate in an interview Thursday with WCCO-TV in Minneapolis.

"My message to owners and to players is, 'You guys make a lot of money and you make a lot of money on the backs of fans, so do right by your fans. You can figure out how to spread out a bunch of revenue that you're bringing in, but do right by the people who support you,"' Obama said. "And I shouldn't have to be involved in a dispute between really wealthy players and even wealthier owners. They should be able to settle this themselves. And remember who it is that's putting all that money in their pockets."

The league and union hadn't met since negotiations broke down a week ago.

All games through December 30th have been cancelled, along with the New Year's Day Winter Classic and the All-Star game.

With the two sides seemingly still far apart on a deal, the clock is now ticking on a possible loss of the entire season. After the 1994-95 lockout was settled in January a 48 game schedule was played. Bettman has stated he would not have a shorter season than that. The 2004-05 season was completely wiped out.