After the NHL's CBA talks took an ugly turn on Friday, there is suddenly an overwhelming feeling that the Binghamton Senators could become the focus of fans of the Ottawa Senators.

That starts tonight when the BSens host the Norfolk Admirals. Tonight marks the the third match up between the two teams, who split the two previous contests last Friday and Saturday night. Puck drop is scheduled for just after 7:00 PM.

As ugly as the CBA negotiations have been at times since the lockout began, they have seemed equally productive over the course of the last three days.

Both the NHL and the NHLPA finally have their proverbial hard hats on and for the first time in the process, seem legitimately committed to hammering out a new CBA. The two sides met throughout the afternoon today and are expected to continue the discussions tomorrow.

Watching hockey in Ottawa is about to get a lot more enjoyable, assuming the damn NHL and NHLPA can work out a deal sometime in the near future.

While all the buzz in the downtown core is about the new MLSE run operation, there's another sports bar that will soon open its doors and will be tailored specifically to local sports fans.  The Senate Sports Tavern & Eatery, is scheduled to officially open its doors on Clarence St. later this month.

Last night, a number of Ottawa Senators players skated with other NHLers in a charity game played in Cornwall, Ontario.

And while there is finally reason for optimism on the CBA front, I know readers are desperate for hockey related discussion so I thought I'd pass along an interesting email.  A SensChirp reader by the name of Tony covered last night's game and has passed along some observations.

For the first time since this lockout began more than 50 days ago, you can actually see how the two sides might be able to reach a deal.

After a weekend of meetings, the two sides are expected to continue discussions tomorrow in New York, this time with Gary Bettman and Donald Fehr in attendance. There are still some obvious issues to be worked out but there is reason to be cautiously optimistic.

Good news has been hard to come by in the CBA talks so even the slightest hint of progress is worth passing along.

Moments ago, Pierre LeBrun indicated that Bill Daly and Steve Fehr have agreed to resume negotiations.  The two sides still need to agree on format, location and time, but for the first time in a couple weeks it at least suggests a step in the right direction.

This seems like an appropriate time to try out this Chirp of the Week entry from SensChirp regular, Chad.

In this post, Chad talks about what he would do with the Senators if current owner Eugene Melnyk handed over the reigns.  With a focus on fans, management and players, Chad lays out his plan for the organization post-lockout.