In St. Louis, Jeff Gordon wrote the Blues have been a "stunning disappointment" on the ice so far this season, but the franchise has "held its own on the business side" under Chair Tom Stillman's leadership. The Blues are "squarely in the middle of the NHL pack" in terms of franchise value, annual revenue and operating revenue. Gaining Enterprise as its arena naming-rights partner was a "big plus" for the franchise. Arena renovations have "created more premium seating," and the team has "freshened up its game day experience." A new practice facility is "rising in the Riverport area." However, the team will "take a big hit at the gate if it keeps producing miserable performances" on the ice (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 12/11).
FAILURE TO LAUNCH: In Houston, Brian Smith notes for last night's Trail Blazers-Rockets game, several of the main seating sections at Toyota Center were "near-empty, with some rows featuring nothing but vacant red seats." The Rockets are 12-14 overall and 5-5 at home after losing only seven times at home last season. The early arena scene last night -- "bored, buzz-less, disinterested -- said it all about the overall state of the NBA’s most disappointing early-season team" (HOUSTON CHRONICLE, 12/12).
GALAXY QUEST: In L.A., Kevin Baxter cites a source as saying that Galaxy F Zlatan Ibrahimovic "has a new deal" that will keep him with the club at a "substantial raise" from the $1.5M he was paid in '18. An official announcement is "not expected until next week." Bringing Ibrahimovic back for a second season was the Galaxy’s "offseason priority even before they signed" a coach or GM (L.A. TIMES, 12/12).
