The temper tantrums have passed, for now.
The lawyers are hovering, but nobody is looking to the courts for a solution yet.
As of two days ago, the NHL and the Players' Association appear to be talking.
We've long since learned that it's pointless to characterize these meetings in terms of optimism or pessimism.
But considering the last face-to-face bargaining session was nearly a month ago, it's a refreshing change to learn that Bettman, Fehr, and their assorted minions are in the same room.
This latest trickle of movement was brought on by a new, detailed proposal issued by the league on New Year's Eve.
The two sides have been working from that document.
If reported details are accurate, the new offer sees the NHL give a little in a couple of key areas. But has it given enough?
Photo: A forlorn Red Wings fan makes his point during last weekend's Detroit Lions game (Leon Halip/Getty Images).
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