Bittersweet Day In Europe

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

Today's entry is a prime example of The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. I guess Hazel didn't check in yesterday, because her good karma didn't find its way over to Europe yesterday. FC Porto drew at nil with Arsenal at the Estadio do Dragao yesterday, while Benfica lost 3-1 to Manchester United at Old Trafford. Given that it seems Hazel is a "glass half full" kind of lady, we'll try to look on the bright side of things.

• The Good - FC Porto's draw with Arsenal was good enough for second place in the group and a birth in the knockout round (final 16) of Champions League. Hopefully they draw Liverpool, Valencia or A.C. Milan in the next round.
  
  
• The Bad - Benfica's loss in Manchester means that they are relegated to play for the UEFA Cup - tough result, but they just didn't get it done on the road in the group stage. Hazel's "glass half full" outlook would say - "Hey, that means that Portuguese teams will have a shot to win both European Championship trophies. Ya, I like that thought.
  

Now for "The Ugly". Normally, I would be celebrating a loss by the SenaTards - and while I was happy to see them get their cans handed to them last night; I couldn't help but feel bad for any of you who took my advice on the Three Play and took the Tards. Again back to Hazel's "glass half full" view of things - the other two picks won, so you would not have lost any dough last night had you took my advice on all three.

The Maple Leafs are in Boston tonight to visit Hazel and the Bruins. Hazel, if you are checking in this morning, on behalf of Leaf Nation, I'm begging you to send your good karma down to the Leafs bench tonight if you are at the TD Banknorth Garden. Wear your Maple Leafs jersey, wear blue and white, wear a little Maple Leaf pin...anything Hazel. You have to stop this damn losing streak. HAZEL...HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!


HAZEL'S THREE STARS
Florida Panthers C Joe Nieuwendyk announced his retirement from the NHL yesterday. Maple Leafs fans will remember Nieuwendyk for what he did for the Blue and White. While he didn't play last night, shutting it down after a great career merits one of Hazel's Stars. Look for more on Joe in next week's Hazies - he's a CHAMP!

Washinton Capitals RW Alexander Ovechkin had three assists in the 6-2 beatdown of the SenaTards last night. It messed up our Three Play - but it was a good night for Hazel's Maeple Leafs in the yahoo pool.

Dallas Stars C Mike Ribeiro had a goal and an assist last night against Phoenix - you know the drill here about porkchops...they always get coverage!

Honourable mention goes out to Marty Turco and J.S. Giguere - who both had shutouts last night...sorry dudes, we can only pick three stars.


THURSDAY THREE PLAY
As I mentioned earlier, we went 2-1 yesterday but wound up netting only $15 - bringing out total for the week down to - $210. We'll get that down tonight - count on it.

Detroit over St. Louis - another one of those home and home games we got burned on with Anaheim last week. Don't think it happens tonight. Take Detroit for $50 at - $380. Trust me on this one.

Nashville over Los Angeles - Predators were shut out last night, they'll rebound tonight with a better game against the Kings. Lay $75 on the Predators - $125.

Calgary over Minnesota - The Wild are in a funk without Gaborik and Demitra - so I'm looking for the Flames to just grind and wear them down. Lay $25 on the Flames - $125.

Bonus Play: Take the Maple Leafs...Hazel Karma tonight at the Banknorth Garden!

PEOPLE I'D LIKE TO PUNCH
SenaTards goalie Ray Emery was terrible last night against the Capitals. Normally, this wouldn't bother me in the least - EXCEPT for the fact that I added this jackass to Hazel's Maeple Leafs roster on Monday night. Thanks for nothing "Tyson Jr."

Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger (who's parents knew what they were doing when they named him) is someone I'd like to punch today. This man is forever whining - "we can't compete with rich teams" - "they play boring football" - "we lost because we played poorly, we can beat them"; well, for all his talk, he went to Porto yesterday with thoughts of a 0-0 tie. ARSEne fielded a defensive lineup yesterday with instructions to keep 10 men behind the ball and bore Porto into a tie. Way to go Arsene, way to make things exciting in CHAMPIONS LEAGUE.

That's about it for today gang...have a great one peeps! Don't forget to have a look at Renee's latest entry posted last night.

Note to DJames...PHONE HOME MAN.

HAZEL'S THURSDAY HOROSCOPE
Don't let an unusual set of circumstances throw you for a loop. Instead, follow through with your plans and take care of personal matters later in the day when you have had more time to consider your options. 2 stars

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world - enjoy the game tonight if you make it to the Garden.

Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - wake up song

Save Tonight - Eagle Eye Cherry

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!