The NHL and the Players' Association have chosen to keep the exact location of their Tuesday afternoon bargaining session private.

That comes just days after deputy commissioner Bill Daly and NHLPA special counsel Steve Fehr held an informal meeting that spanned several hours at an undisclosed New York City location on Saturday.

The negotiations appear to have reached a critical juncture and the sides are hoping progress can be made away from the media spotlight.

When asked for a comment about the upcoming talks on Monday, Daly told The Canadian Press he had decided to remain quiet until the meetings were over.
 

The NHL lockout is into its 52nd day and has already prompted the league to cancel 327 regular-season games, including the Jan. 1 Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium.