NEW YORK – The NHL’s fourth work stoppage in 20 years appears inevitable as both sides in the labour dispute dig in.

The league and the player’s have no plans to return to the bargaining table before the deadline passes at 11:59 p.m. Saturday.

On Thursday, commissioner Gary Bettman reiterated that the season won’t start until there is a new collective agreement in place.

Union chief Donald Fehr said the players made large concessions after the entire 2004-05 season was lost to a lockout and overall revenues have grown since then.

The key issue is how the two sides share that revenue pie.

The NHL insists the players get no more than 49 per cent of revenues — a drop from 57 per cent.

The Players’ Association is seeking 54.3 per cent, with the share dropping over the course of a six-year contract.

A league source has indicated that pre-season games will start being cancelled as soon as next week.

Training camps scheduled to open September 21st will also be a casualty, with the first regular- season games not too far behind.