NHLPA Executive Director Donald Fehr (left) and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman finally broke through on the framework for a new collective bargaining agreement early Sunday morning. (Reuters photos)
NEW YORK - It only makes sense in the city that never sleeps, the NHL and the NHL Players' Association put aside the shut-eye and saved the season.
Commissioner Gary Bettman and executive director Donald Fehr -- looking bleary-eyed as they faced reporters at 5:45 a.m. Sunday at the Sofitel Hotel -- but both were smiling after saving a shortened season with a 10-year collective bargaining agreement to end the lockout on its 113th day.
While players were scrambling to get back from Europe in time for training camp later this week, the NHL and the union were thrilled a 16-hour bargaining session in the Paris Room of the posh Manhattan boutique hotel turned out to be a winner.
