from Rich Chere of theStar-Ledger,

“It’s coming down to the wire right now,” Lamoriello said. “We’ve just got to trust the people that are involved. I’m embarrassed we are where we’re at. That’s the best expression I can use.”

He didn’t want to think it would take this long.

“I really didn’t know. Like everybody, I hoped not,” Lamoriello said, “but we are where we are right now and we’re getting to the 11th hour. I’m just hopeful everything can work out.”

In past lockouts, Lamoriello has taken an active role in negotiations, but that hasn’t been the case this time.

“I’m not involved the way I was in the past. I can’t answer why,” he said.

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