With hockey talks resuming in New York, Montreal businesses that depend a lot on the game are crossing their fingers for a deal.

"Forty games is better than nothing," said Santana Enrique, owner of sport paraphernalia shop Sports Crescent, referring to the short hockey season that would result if the NHL and the players' association come to terms. Enrique said it would help salvage his business season that's so far seen a 60% decrease in sales.

"Disaster. It has been really, really hard. You can see the store, I'm alone with the cashier, that's it," Enrique told CJAD News.

Ziggy Eichenbaum, owner of Ziggy's Pub on Crescent Street, said as a fan, he's fed up with the stagnant talks and that he hopes the talks are serious.

"As a businessman, they're thinking the same thing I am: we can't afford losing the whole season," Eichenbaum said.

Both said they were optimistic about the latest round of talks.

Tending bar over at the Mad Hatter's Pub down the street, Angela said she wasn't so sure.

"It's taken so long already, it's not looking optimistic," she laughed.

The bartender said regulars have been coming out but without hockey, it's been quieter and a truncated hockey season wouldn't be so bad.

"Definitely, I'll still take it, it's still hockey, right? At least you get something out of it. They're just going to have to play that much harder and that much better."

Photo: Wiros