Wings veteran Chelios a member of 'The Malibu Mob'

In one, Cox sits in a bar having an uncomfortable, forced conversation with a fellow doctor until it is revealed the other man also likes the Red Wings.

"For the next 20 minutes, you will sit in silence while I tell you why the Detroit Red Wings are the greatest franchise in the history of professional sports," Cox says.

Scrubs executive producer Bill Lawrence has spent time with Chelios and other members of the Malibu Mob, and a story line was born.

"He just knows I'm a big Cheli guy," McGinley said. "He pretty much integrates anything from your real life into the show. He knew I was a huge Cheli fanatic and so he just made Dr. Cox a Cheli fanatic."

McGinley said Mob members, like so many others, marvel at how Chelios still is able to play hockey at such a high level despite his advancing years.

Chelios earlier this season became the second-oldest player to play in an NHL game, attributing his longevity in part to a hard-core workout regimen, which McGinley says is the stuff of legend.

"If you saw the way he trained in the offseason. It's astonishing," he said. "We do a one-hour bike ride up a mountain. We started paddle-surfing, which is great for everything. He trains with his trainer down in Venice. ... What we do all day is train and eat."

And hang out together.

According to McGinley, the Mob has established two essential prerequisites for membership, which have been discussed "over more than a few meals down at Nobu and at the Greek place, Tony's."

They are:

•  Land ownership: Members must own property in Malibu, even if it isn't a primary residence.

•  Compatibility: "You have to be able to call any person in the Mob and have dinner with them independent of any other person. It can't be you and that guy get along, but you don't get along with somebody else. You're out. Plus, anybody can blackball you."

And apparently, the Mob is willing to expand its numbers should the right candidate come along. Currently under consideration is a lifelong Wings fan -- Detroit's own Kid Rock (real name Robert Ritchie).

"Kid Rock is coming on quick," McGinley said. "There will have to be a Mob vote. Bobby's one of the guys. He's just the best."