from Pierre LeBrun of ESPN,

So what now?

I don’t see any way this thing is wrapped up anytime soon. You have to begin to think that at least half the season might be in jeopardy now with both sides so entrenched.

The timing of Wednesday’s dueling proposals should surprise no one. In conversations I’ve had with people on both sides of the divide, it’s clear there was a desire to bring a fresh offer on the eve of important and large gatherings for both parties. The NHLPA wants all 30 owners to get a look Thursday in the Board of Governors meeting at what the players are willing to do and let them decide for themselves how they feel about it. Similarly, with 250-plus players gathered in New York on Wednesday and Thursday for two days of meetings, the league hopes the players can take a look for themselves at the league’s last offer.

Not sure that’s going to sway either side much. The owners will give Bettman near unanimous backing on Thursday to commence the lockout on Saturday night. The players will be quoted Thursday after their meetings saying they stand in solidarity and believe in what their leader, Donald Fehr, is telling them.

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