What A Way To Start Off A Week

Hey to anyone and everyone checking in - from the usual suspects (aka as "peeps"), to those who checking in semi-regularly, to those who have happened by this page for the first time - to of course...the inspiration for this blog (if she's peeking in - who knows).

The week started off with me buying a new car - a big woo hoo on that one. I can't wait to pick it up on Thursday. The weekend was great, but I paid for it this evening. I met my running buddy for a 5 km run (we had agreed over the weekend that we would meet up today for a "short" run) - I kept up fine, even with the heat this evening (38+C). We did our 5 km in 24+ mins - she didn't break much of a sweat though. Let's just say that after a weekend of BBQ and pints - I'm glad I finished in less than 25 mins...and that I didn't hold her up too much. Quiet night in MLB - so Rogers carried the Sox on NESN (thank you Rogers) - the Sox lost, but I don't have to tell anyone what the highlight of the broadcast was...do I? To sum it up in one word..."Damn". I'll shut up now and move on...but I gotta say - we still miss Hazel.

NHL
The bloodletting has begun - the Flyers and the Red Wings have kicked things off with a number buyouts. I don't know what things are like in hockey cities south of the border - Boston, NY, Philadelphia and Chicago...and I haven't been able to listen to the Fan 590 in Toronto; but I can say that things in Ottawa are getting a bit silly. The Ottawa media is linking most of the top free agents to the Senators - if you listen to the media the Senators have a pretty good shot (if not the inside track) of landing, in no particular order:

Gary Roberts - the reasoning goes that Toronto doesn't have room under the cap to sign him (funny how the OTTAWA media is making that call) and Roberts would love to stay in Ontario and play for a team like the Senators...If Roberts signs with Ottawa...I'll be sick. Oh, and another little pearl is that if/when Roberts signs with Ottawa, he'll bring along Joe Nieuwendyk because, as the Ottawa media says) they want win a cup together.

Mike Modano - yes, the Dallas captain might be bought out by the stars...and surprise surprise, he'd like to play in Ottawa if he doesn't join his buddy Brett Hull in Phoenix. So to get this straight...Modano, with no ties to Ottawa...would like to come play here. As Dr. Evil would say "Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight."

Bobby Holik - Yes, the same Bobby Holik who is disliked by the Ottawa media for his "Edgy...bordering on dirty play" - but now...he'd be welcomed into the fold for her "grit and toughness". Who'da thunk it?

It is only a matter of time before some of these bozos start talking about how Peter Forsberg, Markus Naslund and every other blue chip free agent has expressed an interest in playing in Ottawa...or suggesting that the Senators are so deep behind the blue line...that they can trade Chris Phillips for a front line centre. Muckler is on every night muttering the same thing about how he likes his hockey club...how they are going to be better with another year under their belts...how they are going to be a lot more agressive under Bryan Murray...the same stuff they always spout...tonight he actually admitted that they needed to get tougher to play against Toronto.

The Ottawa media is already planning the cup parade - Pierre MacGuire (TSN Analyst) continues to audition for a job with the Senators. He was on this morning talking about how the Senators are in a great position - how they should be seen as front runners for the cup this year (along with the Flyers) and how they are going to get a great player in the draft - blah blah blah. He's really one of the most annoying sports personalities that has come along in a while. God it's July and I'm already hating on the Senators.

Let's see how the week goes...I'll be very interested in seeing what happens with Mr. Ferguson and the Leafs. To all Leaf fans (Hazel included...she can't be a Bruin fan...she just can't switch) - let's say a prayer and hope that they can re-sign Roberts and Joe N - and pick up another guy or two who can make a difference (I've heard rumblings about Glen Murray of the Bruins...that could work).

More to come on the NHL in subsequent entries this week. I know tonights entry is a bit disjointed and doesn't flow...but I got off to a late start (watching the game tonight was worth it) and I have a headache...and you don't care about the rest.

So I'll end this by thanking you for checking and reading this...please feel free to leave a comment....add your thoughts on anything...submit a story that deserves more attention or anything else that crosses your mind (lets try to stay away from super negative stuff).

The Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps at yahoo - for the bloodletting that is going to take place in the NHL this week...with buyouts and free agent movement...with tongue firmly planted in cheek -

Bed's Too Big Without You - The Police (a classic from Regatta de Blanc).

Goodnight one and all...and Hazel if she's peeking in after her show tonight.

Peesth Out.