New players join NHL lockout talks on Broadway Sens' Marc Methot: We're not that far apart By BRUCE GARRIOCH, QMI Agency

Ottawa Senators defenceman Mark Methot says the NHL and NHLPA aren't far apart in negotiations. (Errol McGihon/QMI Agency) NHL lockout talks take big step forward NHL's CBA gathering a real 'meeting of the minds' Canucks captain Henrik Sedin rips owners for thinking players are 'stupid' Will disgruntled NHL owners stand up to Gary Bettman over length of lockout? Daly denies report that NHL lockout is about to end Salaries of players and worth of owners at CBA meeting

There will be a new look at the table for the NHL and NHL Players' Association in New York.

Many are expecting the same old bad act on Broadway.

After attempts to work with a federal mediator fell apart last week, the NHL and NHLPA will try a new approach with six owners and six players across the table from each other -- without Gary Bettman and Donald Fehr in the room.

While the NHL commissioner and the executive director of the NHLPA have to be present if a deal is struck, they've agreed to bow out of the talks to see if progress can be made on a collective bargaining agreement.