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NEW YORK (AP) - The head of the National Hockey League Players' Association says a lockout can be avoided.
But Donald Fehr says that's up to the league. He says the players made large concessions in bargaining last time. Since then, Fehr told a New York news conference, league revenue has risen dramatically.
He asked whether it was fair or equitable that the owners want more concessions. Fehr says the players have made a responsible offer, offering what he calls "shared sacrifice."
Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby says "it's not looking great" for the season to start on time Oct. 11.
Crosby was among more than 280 players who attended union meetings in New York that ended Thursday. NHL owners also met Thursday ahead of the expiration of the sport's labor contract at midnight Saturday night, and Commissioner Gary Bettman plans to call for a lockout if there's no deal by then.
Crosby says he'll consider playing overseas if part of the NHL season is cancelled. He also said "things can change pretty quickly."
Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller says NHL Players' Association executive director Donald Fehr is doing a far better job communicating with members than leadership did in the last lockout, which wiped out the 2004-05 season.