Gary Bettman has some explaining to do.

The lockout won't officially end until the NHL Players' Association ratifies the collective bargaining agreement Saturday, but NHL commissioner will take a big step towards the finish line when he sits down with the board of governors Wednesday in New York to explain the deal.

"I'm not sure that this is the deal anybody expected," said a league executive Tuesday. "I'm sure he's going to have to answer some questions. A lot of teams will just be happy that hockey is back and won't rock the boat."