With less than a week remaining to reach a deal on a new CBA, there has been little optimism that a lockout can be avoided.

There was hope that negotiations would resume Saturday or Sunday, but the communication between the sides was limited.

However, several people within the Rangers organization expressed hope that an agreement can be reached.

"The only thing I can say is that I want us to play hockey," Rangers owner James Dolan told ESPNNewYork.com.