Monday's Heroes - Abridged Version

Hey Peeps, and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae. If you in the category of "anyone else" - why not check out the yahoo site? That goes for you too Hazel - if you happen to be peeking in for this week's Hazies.

So Monday's recap will be a short one - the Leafs and 'Tards are on tonight; Tards up 2-1 in the second period:

• Belfour playing well tonight;
  
• Sundin leading by example;
  
• team playing with passion and
  
• Belak held his own in a scrap with McGratten
  

(that's an update for Hazel if she isn't watching the game in the NESN studio).

So its the Steelers and the Seahawks in Superbowl XL, with Vegas establishing the Steelers as a 4 point favourite. I would be jumping all over the Seahawks +4; they have the running game to keep the ball away from the Steelers - and the passing game to challenge the Steelers. On the defensive side of the ball - they are smaller, but their team quickness and speed allows them to fill holes and get into position to make plays. Oh yeah, and I can't stand Cowher, Bettis and Roethlisberger...Seahawks win 34 - 23.

Ok, so I'm back after a break - Tards just went up 3 - 1 (insert your expletive here). Back to this week's notables...the winners of the Hazies.

HAZEL'S HEROES

NFL
As much as I can't stand Roethlisberger, I have to give it to him for his performance on Sunday - he was close to be flawless going 21 for 29, 275 yards and 2 TDs. While a lot of credit goes to Pittsburgh's Offensive Coordinator for great play calling that confused the Broncos and negated their pressure D - Roethlisberger deserves credit too. He made the right reads, he used his feet to buy time when he had to, and he never put the ball in danger's path. He gets some silverware this week.

Pittsburgh's D deserves mention - they harassed Plummer all afternoon, creating four turnovers including the back breaking INT at the end of the 1st half. They exposed Plummer for what he is and always has been - an average quarterback, and a guy that many think will never win. Harsh but true.

New England football fans have to have a soft spot for Matt Hasselback. Hasselback made play after play against a very good Carolina defense - he converted a bunch of 3rd downs, he used his feet to pick up yardage and keep Carolina honest...Alexander had, what for him was, an average game - Hasselback led Seattle to the win - 20/28 for 219 yards and 2 TDs. This is Seattle's year.

Honourable mention goes to Julius Peppers of the Panthers - the man widely regarded as one of the best players in the NFL played with a separated shoulder and still had an impact on the game.

NBA
I don't normally do the NBA - but you have to give it to Kobe Bryant. 81 freakin' points in leading the Lakers to a win over the Raptors...81 POINTS. Bryant went 28/46 (six 3 pointers) from the field and 18/20 from the line - damn. Enough about basketball.

I'm outta here for the night (4-2 for the Tards) - we'll talk NHL tomorrow. I gotta go do some administrative stuff at yahoo site. Renee, if you are checking in - I think we have addressed the issue.

Have a great one peeps.

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the Night on Hazelspeeps - for Kobe Bryant

Jam Session - Third World (I think...its an old reggae song).

Peesth out!