December 3, 2012
Sens' Marc Methot: We're not that far apart

Ottawa Senators defenceman Mark Methot says the NHL and NHLPA aren't far apart in negotiations. (Errol McGihon/QMI Agency)

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.