As the evening grew later, the talks continued. And while its hard to say how much is getting accomplished, the fact that discussions are ongoing is at least some reason to be optimistic.
Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews and forward Jamal Mayers were two of 18 players taking part in Tuesdays player-owner meeting in New York. The two sides started talking at 1 p.m. central time; after a dinner break early in the evening, the two parties reconvened and were still talking past 10 p.m. central time.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr stayed out of both meetings, although they reportedly met with their respective parties during the dinner break.
Reports from New York have used the words cautiously optimistic to describe the ongoing discussions. Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review writes that the Penguins are making a big push to help end the lockout. Sidney Crosby is part of todays talks, as is team co-owner Ron Burkle.
The lockout reached Day 80 on Tuesday. Games through Dec. 14 have already been canceled.