Winning Taking Its Toll On Buds

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae.

The good news for Leaf Nation and Hazel (shhh don't tell anyone she's still a Leafs fan) is that Toronto beat Boston last night 6-4, without Captain Mats Sundin and D Pavel Kubina (who had to fly home for the birth of his child). The veterans stepped up - Jeff O'Neill set up the first goal by Tucker, Bryan McCabe scored, the twin towers of Antropov and Ponikarovsky played well and Michael Peca was his usual self. From all accounts, Andrew Raycroft was razor sharp before leaving the game (leading 5-2) with what is being reported as a groin injury. Was Hazel Karma at work last night at the TD Banknorth Garden? We'd like to think so.

The bad news, no word on how serious Raycroft's injury is and how many games he could wind up missing. The Leafs have always responded with good games when faced with injuries - but this is getting re-gawddamned-diculous. Sundin goes down in a win against the Flyers, Raycroft in a win over the Bruins - what comes next?Also, the Leafs almost blew a four goal lead in the win. I'm glad they are stock-piling points early in the season - we'll see what happens this weekend and into next week.

HAZEL'S THREE STARS
Andrew Raycroft was in line for a star until he went down in the second period - so Alexei Ponikarovsky, come on down! Poni had a goal and two assists and was a physical force on the ice - from the highlights I saw, the Bruins couldn't handle him last night. More importantly, he got Nik Antropov going last night, setting up Antropov's first goal on a great rush down the right wing. I would be remiss (not to mention risking an ass kicking by Hazel herself) if I didn't mention the fact that Leafs' C Michael Peca recorded his 400th point last night. So Hazel gives four stars in last night's game - who is going to argue that?

Eric Cole had a hat-trick last night against Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals. Cole who is coming off a career threatening neck injury last year scored a beauty on a breakaway last night - that move must be giving Habs' fans nightmares.

Patrick Marleau also had a hat-trick last night leading the San Jose Sharks to a 7-3 drubbing of the Los Angeles Kings. I know its just the Kings - but we like Marleau here.


FRIDAY'S THREE PLAY
Another great night last night with Dallas, New Jersey and Carolina all winning - a $100 night bringing our balance sheet up to +$400. While I'm pretty sure Hazel doesn't endorse or recommend putting cash down on the games (I don't either...kinda, sorta) - I'd like to think she'd get a kick out of this page's record on picking winners and putting cash in the peeps' pockets (if they decide to act on suggestions).

Buffalo over Florida - the Sabres are well rested, maybe too well rested - expect them to be chomping at the bit when the Panthers walk in tonight. Expect Buffalo to continue their hot start to the season with a win over Belfour and the banged up Panthers. Lay $25 on Buffalo - $340.

Edmonton over Columbus - the Oilers last game against Detroit was awful, expect them to respond with a spirited effort tonight against a struggling Blue Jackets team that finally won a game last night against the Blues. Lay $50 on the Oilers - $140.

Ottawa and Pittsburgh over 6.5 - Pittsburgh can put the puck in the net and Ottawa's Martin Gerber is looking like a bit of a headcase these days as he fights every puck fired at him. Crosby and Malkin have been rather quiet of late - expect that to change tonight. Lay $25 on the game going over 6.5 at - $125.

There's your Friday three play gang. Good luck if you bet them. NFL Picks will be put up tomorrow (whether you like it or not). That's about it for this morning - have a great one peeps!

HAZEL'S FRIDAY HOROSCOPE
Don't get all hung up over the trivial little things going on in your life. Distance yourself emotionally and offer solid solutions. Business, travel and getting ahead should be your prime concern. 2 stars

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world - they should be after last night's game.

Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - going back to the 80's, wake up song today

My Sharona - The Knack

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!