Bad Santa - Good Santa

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

Ok, I think I'm over what was a bad Christmas weekend as far as sports go - Santa wasn't very good to the Toronto Maple Leafs or the Dallas Cowboys, or the to Portuguese National Team who learned yesterday that Luiz Felipe Scolari would step down from the Manager's post after Euro 2008 (we can officially start the call for Jose Mourinho to return to Portugal in 2008).

The Maple Leafs win over Minnesota last night was encouraging, especially given that they got goals from two unlikely sources (John Pohl and Alexander Steen; looking at Week 17 in the NFL was somewhat encouraging, with Dallas hosting Detroit and the Eagles hosting Ron Mexico's Atlanta Falcons (he won the last time he played there). OK, I'm grasping at straws with the hope that Vick could pull one out on Sunday.

The Canadian National Junior Hockey team opened the World Championships with a 2-0 victory over the host Swedes yesterday. Canada played well at both ends of the ice and continue a streak of not losing a round robin game in their last 17 games.

We are trying to stay in a positive frame of mind during the holidays.

We'll be back later to do this week's Hazies - the Champs & Chumps; topping the list of Champs is our man Bushey, who won the Hazelspeeps Fantasy Football pool with a shocking final win over our rookie GM Tina. They are both Champs.

HAZEL HOCKEY LEAGUE
The league is in shock as our resident Steinbrenner, Hubie, has not hit the waiver wire in a week. The standings remain relatively unchanged for the week ending December 25th - Merry Freakin' Christmas.

60.5 - Skating Bobcats - owned by Drisc, who is splitting his time between the pool and recruiting new teams for the 2007 Hazelspeeps Fantasy Baseball Pool.

49.0 - Weekend Warriors - owned by Chris, who has been relatively quiet this past week.

47.0 - Double DD Bandits - owned by Hubie, who must have celebrated Christmas to the hilt to stay off the waiver wire.

39.5 - Hazel's Maeple Leafs - owned by El Presidente, who has grown comfortable with life on top of Renee.

34.0 - Ice Bitches - owned by Renee, who is planning to have a breakout year in 2007.

23.5 - Hanson Brothers - owned by Sparky, who had gone missing - we are going to rename him the Groundhog.


HAZEL'S THREE STARS
Columbus Blue Jackets LW David Vyborny assisted on the game tying goal and scored the overtime winner (his second goal of the game) in a 5-4 victory over the Boston Bruins. We're not sure Hazel would be down with this one - but we have no rule here against players who sink the B's.

Buffalo Sabres LW Chris Drury had two goals and two assists (all in the first period) to lead the Sabres to a 6-3 victory over the Washington Capitals.

Canadian Junior G Carey Price stopped all 31 shots yesterday as Canada started off the tournament on the right foot with a 2-0 win over Sweden.

Honourable mention goes to Toronto Maple Leafs RW Jeff O'Neill who scored the game winning goal late in the third period at the ACC last night.

WEDNESDAY THREE PLAY
We had a great night going 3-0 last night to finish the night at + $175; enough to start paying down those Christmas Visa bills.

Calgary over Vancouver - I can't see Vancouver sweeping this home and home, the Flames get it done on the road tonight in Vancouver. Lay $50 on the Flames - $135.

NY Islanders over Ottawa - the Islanders are coming off a shutout win over the Rangers last night...Ottawa isn't playing well enough to be laying money on these days; plus the price is right. Lay $50 on the Islanders + $160.

Detroit over Minnesota - the Wild have lost nine in a row on the road, and I don't see things getting better for them in Detroit tonight. Don't get caught betting on streaks ending - call it a lesson learned long ago with the Kansas City Royals. Lay $50 on Detroit - $250.

That's about it for this morning gang - have a great one peeps!

HAZEL'S WEDNESDAY HOROSCOPE
Don't let being hot-headed hold you back. This is the perfect day to fight the crowds and get out and do some sale shopping. A short trip to see someone who can make a difference to your future should bring about a financial gain. 3 stars


Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - while Santa wasn't very good to yours truly, he came through big time for one of my friends who emailed me to say that her man surprised her this Christmas with an engagement ring - a big freakin' rock too! So for my friend (who I am sure will be checking in here today):

I Knew The Bride - Nick Lowe

or

I'm Getting Married - Yellowman (for you reggae lovers)

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!