Gary Bettman expects negotiations with the players' association on a new collective bargaining agreement to begin in a couple of weeks. In news conference before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup finals between the Kings and Devils, Bettman said Wednesday that talk of a lockout is nothing more than speculation at this point since labor and management have not met. "Time will tell how this all sorts out," Bettman said. "I am hopeful this all sorts out easily because labor peace is preferable to the alternative."