TORONTO -- This week's meeting between the NHL and its Players' Association may have widened the gap between the two sides, contrary to the optimistic buzz it may have created. For a brief 24-hour period there was a glimmer of hope that next season would not be threatened by a labour battle. "But based on what we saw Wednesday, there's little cause for optimism," said NHLPA head Bob Goodenow. The NHLPA appears ready to bend in some areas, but will not at any point accept any kind of salary cap. The NHLPA does not trust the financial records pushed forward by the league that shows an operating loss of nearly $300 million US last season.
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