VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Talks aimed at ending the NHL lockout are expected to continue for a third straight day in New York, with neither side saying much to the media.

It’s encouraging news for hardcore hockey fans and for some major sponsors like Molson Coors, which is reporting lower beer sales in Canada because of the lockout.

People are not packing arenas or their favourite sports bars to watch the Canucks — or any other team — as the season slips away, including Marcus, whose Saturday nights are usually spent watching hockey with friends and a few beers. “But now there’s no sports. I don’t watch football, I don’t watch basketball, so I’m crying the blues a bit.”

“I’m going out with friends, trying to meet some girls,” adds Tom, who says he is not buying as much beer and is saving money because of it.

Molson Coors has an estimated $375-million sponsorship deal with the NHL and may seek compensation from the league for lost sales.