The Big Story

Chris Hansen will privately finance Seattle arena; NHL back in play? | Puck Daddy

Expansion in the NHL is inevitable. We know Las Vegas Silver HawKnights will be joining the league next season, but after that, what's next? It's unlikely the league will just stick with 31 teams. It's unlikely a team will be added to the Eastern Conference, unless there is relocation from east to west (sorry Quebec City).

Seattle is the obvious answer. Now, it appears that it could happen sooner rather than later.

In Red Wings Land

Steve Ott's big night for Wings includes assist, defending teammate | Detroit Free Press

There's a hat trick (3 goals).

There's a Gordie Howe hat trick (goal, assist and fight).

And now, ladies and gentlemen, there's a Steve Ott hat trick (assist, breakaway and defending a teammate).

I won't pile on Ott though. He's not my ideal hockey player. I never wanted him on this team. But hey... the Red Wings are winning. They've strung together five straight victories and Ott has had a part in three of them. In fact, I do like that this team has stuck up for each other more so this season than in recent years. I don't know if Ott has a part in that or it's coming from the coaching staff. I don't know, but I've enjoyed it.

Let's Go Red Wings.