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There are eight Saints players out for a night on the tohich I begrudgingly agreed to so we could get to know each other better off the ice One of our defenders, Pax, is drawing the most attention at six and a half feet tall Once the season starts, he’ll be our peacemaker—an enforcer who protects us from cheap shots and potential injuries

We started our night at the Delmonico Steakhouse, where I picked up the enormous tab I was voted team captain, and that’s what captains do But I better not pay for another drink tonight—not after the check I signed off on at Deluys are still standing upright

“Gentleroup with a big smile “I’m Monica, a Venetian VIP hostess We’re so honored you’re here Our entire city is excited to have our own NHL team Would you liketables?”

“Take me to the nearest craps table, Monica,” Dane says confidently

I hope the s

Monica calls over another hostess, who leads several guys to the craps tables She directs souys to the blackjack tables, and then looks at me and Pike, the only ones left

“Poker?” she asks with a smile

I smile back and nod

She gives ot just the table for you two”

I put a hand up to stop her “I just want an average no liainst pros or anything”

I used to play in a regular poker game with aht outsidethat will distract me from hockey

“Yeah, I’ll stick with him,” Pike says

I reht Anything we do tonight—or any other night—could easily be in the papers toa on the Strip

Monica leaves us at a table where a couple is just getting up to leave, both of the stunned and defeated I hand over my buy-in and the dealer passes me a container stacked with chips

Pike pulls out a big roll of cash and peels a few bills off for his buy-in, drawing a few looks from other players at the table

“I ca at me