"The Penguins and defenseman Sergei Gonchar have reached a point in contract negotiations where one side apparently will have to give if there is to be an accord before Gonchar would become an unrestricted free agent next Friday.

"I think we're down to a decision by both sides," general manager Ray Shero said tonight before the NHL draft at Staples Center. "I think in the next couple of days we should have some resolution one way or the other."

Shero declined to say whether he was optimistic or pessimistic that the Penguins will be able to re-sign Gonchar, 36, who is at the conclusion of a five-year, $25 million contract."