NHL, union make progress in secret talks

The NHL and the players’ union made progress in secret, day-long talks held Saturday, with plans to get back to the bargaining table soon, according to the Associated Press. Saturday’s talks, the first held by the two sides in more than two weeks, came one day after the outdoor Winter Classic game was cancelled.  The game was to be played at Michigan Stadium on New Year’s Day between the Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs. The lockout reached its 50th day on Sunday, and has wiped out all games so far this season, from October 11th ahead through November 30th. It’s no longer possible for a full season to be played, and if a deal isn’t reached soon, the NHL might have another entire season wiped out, just as the 2004-05 season was lost to another labor dispute.