Mediators Still in Play in NHL Labor Talks

NEW YORK (AP) - Federal mediators are still involved in hockey's labor talks, and the NHL and the players' association might soon be getting together again.

The sides met with mediators but not each other Wednesday. The mediators were back at it Thursday in an attempt to help broker a deal to save the season.

NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly says in an email to The Associated Press on Thursday there has been "some back and forth with the mediator." He adds that it's too early to say if the parties will be meeting.

No progress was reported Wednesday when the sides were in the same building in suburban New Jersey, but not in the same room. Mediators talked to each group separately and carried messages back and forth.

The league and union haven't met face to face in a week since talks fell apart a week ago on the third straight day of negotiations in New York.