NHL, Gambling Aren't Strangers

"The St. Louis Blues once had a dasher-board advertisement for a casino that touted the loosest slots in town.

"Canadian provinces offer sports lotteries that include NHL games.

"...And Phoenix assistant coach Rick Tocchet was cited in a criminal investigation into gambling.

"But given what we know at this point, the Tocchet situation is more of an organized crime story than it is an actual gambling scandal.

"...None of the accusations against Tocchet has involved the death-penalty offense, in the sports context anyway, of betting on hockey.

"The compelling aspect to the case is that law enforcement has said Tocchet's alleged gambling ring had a connection to organized crime in Philadelphia and New Jersey.

"...Even if a player doesn't bet on hockey, he is vulnerable if his action involves organized crime..."