At ESPN.com, Scott Burnside writes that within the next week one of the two sides will need to make a move in the others direction in order to save the season.

Burnside says, “with the clock ticking, we still think the call will come and the two sides will reconvene one last time to save a part of this season and bring a merciful end to this exercise in silliness.”

He adds that following a week of having a tentative deal and ratification and then a one week training camp, hockey can be played by the start of January, but only if the two sides get to work on making a deal.

Chris Botta tweets “If NHL and PA don’t finalize a CBA within 10 days, it would be time for Bettman to set a deadline to save this season.”

If Jan.1 start to #NHL: game every 2 days, 48 games = Apr. 6 finish, playoffs start Apr. 9. No hockey into July is the hill I will die on.—
Cam Cole (@rcamcole) December 10, 2012

So far this is playing out a lot like labor dispute of 94-95. That one settled around Jan 10, 48-gm season started Jan 20. Can happen again—
Helene Elliott (@helenenothelen) December 10, 2012