The last couple of months have made it quite clear that the NHL and its players are miles apart when it comes to agreeing upon a new CBA. Both Gary Bettman and Bob Goodenow seem to have built up a lot of animosity amongst the respective camps. That's one reason why it is nice to see Trevor Linden organize a last minute meeting between himself, Harley Hotchkiss (part-owner of the Calgary Flames and chairman of the NHL board of governors), Bill Daly, Ted Saskin and outside counsels Bob Batterman and John McCambridge. Missing are the obvious big guns Goodenow and Bettman. There's a lot of talk in the hockey community that this back channel meeting may be what miraculously gets us a deal but I personally, am not that confident. Had they gotten together a month ago, there would be a much better chance of saving this season. Either way, let's hope something good comes out of this.