NHL, union to return to bargaining table Tuesday

NEW YORK (AP) - The NHL and the players' association are returning to the bargaining table Tuesday, hoping momentum generated over the weekend can lead to a long-awaited labor deal.

The sides held negotiations Saturday, the first since Oct. 18, in an undisclosed location and made enough progress to want to talk again just days later. They will get back together Tuesday in New York.

It wasn't determined yet on Monday who would take part in the talks. Saturday's were conducted by just NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly and union special counsel Steve Fehr. Tuesday could involve a larger group, including Commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA executive director Donald Fehr.

The lockout entered its 51st day Monday. So far, 327 games - including the outdoor Winter Classic - have been called off, and the NHL says a full season won't be played.