All About Champions League

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

Ok, I'll get the bad news out of the way. The Maple Leafs blew a 2-0 lead against Atlanta last night and wound up losing 5-2 to the high octane Thrashers. They need something - Hazel, how about sending some good karma to the ACC?

The Red Sox have signed J.D. Drew and Julio Lugo - I would wade in here, but I think my pal Renee summed things up rather well last night. Boston, you're stuck with them now - so its time to start the spindoctoring about how both are good signs. While Red Sox Nation has complained about both - I think the Lugo signing isn't as bad as everyone is projecting. "DL" Drew is another matter all together. Check out Renee's post last night for her thoughts on the signings.

Big day in Europe today as the opening round of Champions League comes to a close. Ok, I know that with all the baseball signings, and the Maple Leafs in a rut - Hazel isn't paying attention to Champions League; but as she isn't coming on here to post entries, I call the shots here. If you bump into her, don't mention this - I hear she can be pretty fiesty. Don't be fooled by the perfectly manicured nails...I've heard she packs a great short left hook.

Two Portuguese teams go today, with FC Porto at home to Arsenal and Benfica visiting Manchester United. Both FC Porto and Benfica can oust the English giants with wins today.

FC Porto needs a tie to progress to the knockout round of Champions League - if they beat Arsenal (which is very possible), CSKA Moscow can secure second place in the group with a win; leaving Arsenal on the outside looking in and playing for the UEFA Cup.

Benfica is in a tough position - they must win against Manchester United in order to progress to the knockout phase of the competition. Benfica has had some big games in England, most recently sending Liverpool out of Champions League with a win at Anfield, as well as knocking out Man U last year - so they'll be looking to repeat against the crusty old Scot Alex Ferguson and the Red Devils.

Man, I'd really like to think that I could call on some good Hazel Karma today - in both games. Forca Homens... you can do it.

HAZEL'S THREE STARS
Buffalo Sabres (and Hazel's Maeple Leafs) C Daniel Briere had a hat-trick last night in a 4-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Calgary Flames G Miikka Kiprusoff stopped all 23 shots in a 3-0 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes...so much for our Three Play yesterday.

Columbus Blue Jackets G Fredrik Norrena is back after being awarded one of Hazel's Stars last week. Norrena made 42 saves in a 3-0 shutout victory in Colorado against the Avs.


WEDNESDAY THREE PLAY
Another tough night going 1-2, and being $25 lighter on the balance sheet - which stands at - $225 for the week. We'll get back in the black tonight.

Ottawa over Washington - Might as well ride the Tards for a while. Lay $50 on the Tards - $170.

New Jersey over Montreal - the Habs can't seem to score 5-5, which doesn't bode well when you play a New Jersey team that doesn't take a lot of penalties. Lay $50 on the Devils - $140.

Dallas over Phoenix (added at 6:40 pm) no explanation needed. Lay $50 on the Stars - $180.

We'll leave it at that for now...we may or may not be back this afternoon with the third play.


PEOPLE I WANT TO PUNCH TODAY
If Renee can have a mailbag, I get to rant about someone who really pissed me off. Today, I would like to punch Charlton Addicks defender Talal El Karkouri. El Karkouri scored a goal yesterday in the 3rd minute of injury time to give Charlton a 1-0 victory over Blackburn.

Why do I want to punch him? That goal blew up a 100-1 longshot Pro-Line ticket that would have paid me $500+ bucks had Charlton and Blackburn tied. If I ever see Talal, I'd like to punch him right in the "Addicks".

That's about it for today, we'll be back later with NFL picks and thoughts on your Los Angeles Dodgers East signings yesterday - if Renee is right, you'll be adding Eric Gagne to be the closer...good luck with that elbow! Have a great one peeps!

HAZEL'S WEDNESDAY HOROSCOPE
Someone may try to slow you down or deter you from doing something you really want to do. Don't miss out on a chance to experience something new. You have to follow your heart and your intuition. 2 stars

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world - we'd really appreciate it if you had a few minutes this afternoon to turn on ESPN and give Benfica a little bit of good karma today!

Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - just because

Let's Play - Offspring

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!