from Frank Seravalli of the Philadelphia Daily News,

The best way to make a deal remains obvious: Present a close to 50-50 split in revenues to provide immediate financial relief to owners, owners honor player contracts already signed, and leave most contracting issues alone.

Instead, Bettman is flummoxed by Fehr, who has kept the league guessing as to exactly what it will take to broker a deal. Fehr's attempts to guarantee raises for players have repeatedly been stonewalled.

Both leaders have used questionable, head-scratching strategies in an attempt to sway public perception - only to turn about-face quickly when met with negative or hostile reaction from fans. For Bettman, last week's 2-week moratorium suggestion comes to mind. Two weeks ago, Fehr said the two sides moved closer toward a 50-50 revenue split and then shortly after reiterated that they remain so far apart. The king of rhetoric has met his prince.

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