PITTSBURGH — State, Allegheny County and Pittsburgh officials hope to meet with Penguins ownership on Thursday to resolve differences in arena negotiations that prompted the team to declare an impasse and threaten to move.

Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato says he was shocked by a letter the Penguins issued Monday, saying they planned to actively pursue relocation and blamed government officials for failing to cut a new arena deal. Owners Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle said the negotiations stalled even though the team has agreed to pay $120 million over 30 years toward a new $290 million arena and to cover any cost overruns.

"I was honestly shocked by that letter," Onorato said Tuesday. "I think if we get us all back in the room immediately we can find out what triggered that letter, resolve it, and close this deal."

Earlier Tuesday, Gov. Ed Rendell said he will ask the National Hockey League to prevent the Penguins from moving, if necessary.

"The governor believes we have put an exceptionally attractive offer on the table," according to a statement released by Rendell's office. Later in the day, Rendell told reporters, "If they don't take it, we're going to be up in New York asking the NHL to bar the Penguins from moving."

The Penguins' lease at 46-year-old Mellon Arena, the oldest arena in the league, expires June 30. The Penguins have repeatedly said they may move the team, or sell it to someone who would move it, if no deal for a new arena is in place by then.

Officials in Kansas City have offered the Penguins free rent and half of all revenues if they agree to play in the soon-to-be-completed $262 million Sprint Center.

Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said he believes it is in the team's best interest to stay in Pittsburgh and said a deal can be reached despite the team's frustration with negotiations so far.

The Penguins did not immediately comment on the various statements made by government officials Tuesday.