In order to get in a 48-game season, the lockout needs to be settled within 26 days.
You can't start a year any later than Jan. 10. #ticking—
steve simmons (@simmonssteve) December 04, 2012

Bruce Garrioch tweets “Doug MacLean suggests if they can get a deal by Friday a 56-game
season starting on Dec. 20th.”

This section looks at all the talk of a shortened season.

Adam Rotter: I expect we will hear a similar date from the owners following the Board of Governors meeting today. With the progress that seemed to be made last night putting a firm date on things should end the potential for dragging things out to try and win one last point.