Another twist in the soap opera that has become the labour negotiations within the NHL.

Any hopes or optimism for an early season were dashed when talks between owners and players fell apart Thursday.

Discussions are now at a stand-still as both sides gave a play-by-play in front of the media for everyone to see.

Canada’s coach Don Cherry tweeted “I have known Gary Bettman since he was named commissioner. I have never seen him so livid as he was at the press conference.”

And he’s not alone…. a fire storm of comments have swallowed up social media as fans begin to lose hope in an early deal.

Globe and Mail Sports columnist Bruce Dowbiggin believes all is not lost.

He thinks both sides still have two weeks together to get their acts together.

Dowbiggin says the NHLPA miscalculated in a move to gain public favour.

“Don Fehr overstepped his bounds these last couple of days, he was given a take it or leave it offer and he tried to negotiate publicly on that and he embarrassed the league,” he says.

He says what stays private is a big thing in these negotiations and Fehr gave the false impression that they were close to a deal.

Time he warns, is of the essence.

“They managed to start the NBA season on January 1st last year, I think we have the chance to do that here but obviously time is of the evidence,” says Dowbiggin.

The ball he believes in the players’ court to come back with something that moves the process forward.