FILE - In this Sept. 16, 2004 file photo shows a hockey net lies atop seats under the stands at the Bell Centre, home to the NHL's Montreal Canadiens, on the first day of the NHL players' lockout in ... more 

FILE - In this Sept. 16, 2004 file photo shows a hockey net lies atop seats under the stands at the Bell Centre, home to the NHL's Montreal Canadiens, on the first day of the NHL players' lockout in Montreal. With a lockout drawing ever closer, the NHL and the players' union are in touch with each other after a day of internal meetings. But no new negotiating sessions are scheduled for Friday, Sept. 14, 2012, one day before Commissioner Gary Bettman has said he will lock out the players. This would be the NHL's fourth work stoppage since 1992.(AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Ian Barrett) less