Despite Thursday's proclamation from NHL commissioner Gary Bettman that the league intends to impose a lockout if a new deal cannot be reached by Sept. 15, both sides expressed optimism Friday that a work stoppage can be avoided. "I think it's absolutely possible to get something done with no time missed," said Winnipeg Jets defenseman Ron Hainsey, who spoke on behalf of the NHL Players' Association after a fourth consecutive day of negotiations. Although the league's statement Thursday left many fearing the possibility of another lengthy work stoppage, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly shared Hainsey's optimism Friday. "Look, I always try to be optimistic about these things," Daly said. "I truly believe a deal can be done, but it will require a lot of work. We've got a lot of issues still open. We haven't even heard from (the union) on the economic issues and we have a month, so it will require hard work and commitment on both sides. But certainly the NHL is committed and we hope the players are committed as well." Read more: http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/8256436/nhl-labor-talks-optimism-prevails-week-meetings
