The NHL is making its triumphant return to the North American sporting landscape (a co-worker expressed astonishment when he saw the Gretzky will coach in Phoenix). Steve Yzerman is making a triumphant return to the ice for the Reds Wings. And for some reason, Chris Osgood is coming back to Hockeytown too.

Yes, the Cup-winning goalie who was driven out of town in favor of higher-priced talent is back as an ever lower-priced alternative to last year’s backup. But honestly, does the Wings brass think that after a few years of playing behind mediocre teams, he’s now the elite netminder they need to contend?

My prize for back-handed compliment of the night goes to Terry from Howell:

I also think the rest of the team got a little lazy because they had a big-name goalie in the net. With Ozzie coming back, the rest of the players will have to buck up and play hockey the way we all know they can!

Back to the rest of the news you probably already know:

The Wings have decided to keep their tickets prices exactly the same as last year. Most of the league is offering discounts. Most of the league doesn’t have a standing-room-only Joe every night. Rosey still isn’t impressed.

Chris Chelios and Mathieu Schneider will be along the blue line. And Brendan Shanahan will anchor one forward line.

In case you need to mark the date, the first puck drops Oct. 5.

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