[Mutant Racer]

Here we go!

NEW YORK — The NHL and the players' association reached a tentative agreement early Sunday to end a nearly four-month-old lockout that threatened to wipe out the season.

A marathon negotiating session that lasted more than 16 hours, stretching from early Saturday afternoon until just before 6 a.m. EST Sunday morning produced a 10-year deal that still must be ratified by the players.

After the sides stayed mostly apart for two days, following late-night talks that turned sour, federal mediator Scot Beckenbaugh worked virtually around the clock to get the sides back to the bargaining table.

After the all-night session, this time it worked.