Nothing To See Here: NHL Stalemate Lives On

Consider it a bucket of cold water on any hopes of a breakthrough between the NHL and its Players' Association.

This week's meetings began with a new lineup of personalities, modest expectations and the urgency of a season on the brink. But talks ended Thursday afternoon with nothing new to report.

Although the language is much less confrontational, a new collective agreement remains hung up on "very strong philosophical differences," in the words of NHL vice president Bill Daly.

The two-day session generated much speculation that the two sides were finding new avenues towards a resolution. In light of today's events, that can be written off as so much irresponsible media hogwash.

All hands say ''the lines of communication'' remain open. But the idea that a 2004-05 season can be saved now appears almost nonsensical