Leafs Win Baby...Leafs Win

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

First off, I didn't take down Ottawa Tilt's game last night - I finished third (some bad luck and conservative play killed me) which netted me a big fat zero. Still though, I finished well ahead of my old buddy who was the first one out and was so bored that he offered to deal while the big boys played. Ha ha Tilt!

The playoff race in the Eastern Conference of the NHL just keeps getting better - three points separate five teams vying for the sixth through eighth spots in the Conference.

The Maple Leafs drew to within one point of the final playoff spot with a 5-2 win over the hapless Philadelphia Flyers - the Leafs "second line" of Alexander Steen, Jeff O'Neill and Matt Stajan came up big for the good guys yesterday, combing for two goals and three assists in a game the Leafs let the Flyers stay in for far too long. Still though, a win is a win and we'll ride it to Montreal tomorrow night - the loser of tomorrow night's game can be expected to do something before the trade deadline on Tuesday, be it selling off a few players or loading up for a final playoff push.

The game between the SenaTards and Sabres, while quite entertaining, didn't erupt into an all out brawl as we had expected. Tough guys Andrew Peters and Brian McGratten dropped the gloves last night, with Peters' getting a split decision by virtue of hitting McGratten with two head-snapping shots on the button; the SenaTards fans playing poker last night pointed to the fact that McGratten closed relatively well - but when you get your head snapped back twice and skate off the ice with blood running down your face - YOU'VE LOST. SenaTards cheap shot artist Chris Neil was at his best last night - cross checking a Sabres player from behind and then getting Sabres middleweight Adam Mair to drop the gloves. The decisioon goes to the self-proclaimed heavyweight, but he should pound a guy like Mair who isn't considered a fighter. Funny thing about Neil, he refuses to drop the gloves against real heavyweights - claiming that he has to play smart and that his team needs him on the ice; but is all to willing to take the five minute major against anyone that isn't really a fighter or anyone smaller than him. Neil is a punk who picks his spots - I'm reminded of what former Flyers coach Ken Hitchcock said about Martin Havlat, I think it is applicable to Neil:

"One of these days, someone is going to catch this guy and feed him his lunch...its going to be ugly, but its going to happen."

Can we write the Boston Bruins off now? Please? With apologies to Hazel, its time to call it a season - they are not going to make the playoffs, period.


HAZEL'S THREE STARS
Toronto Maple Leafs LW Alexander Steen had a goal and an assist last night and was a factor every time he jumped over the boards. Steen controlled the play on the ice, and with some better finishing could have/should have wound up with a couple of goals and a couple more assists. He started the season out slowly - but seems to have responded to Paul Maurice's challenge to pick up his play.

Calgary Flames RW Jarome Iginla had two goals and two assists in a 7-4 beatdown of the San Jose Sharks last night. Iginla is one of the hottest players in the league right now and seems to be priming his game for the playoffs.

Manchester United midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo scored in the 89th minute to give his team a 2-1 victory over Fulham. The Portuguese International has to be one of the favourites to win the Premiership player of the year...which would absolutely kill the English media.


SUNDAY THREE PLAY
We had a tough night last night with the Rangers blowing a two goal lead to Columbus - our total for the week stands at - $90.

We'll pick two games tonight to get back in the black.

Nashville over Columbus - the Preds need this one badly. Lay $100 on the Predators - $230.

Anaheim over Colorado - the clock has struck 12 for the Avs. Lay $100 on the Ducks - $240.

That's about it for today gang...sorry for the late update.


KEEPING HAZEL UP ON WHAT'S WHAT IN TORONTO

Was Alex Steen playing ABBA last night?

Tucker is back on skates - finally!

Leafs/Flyers recap

O'Neill turns back the clock

The Big Hurt is a big showoff!


HAZEL'S SUNDAY HOROSCOPE
The more mysterious you are, the better. A chance meeting with someone from your past will get you thinking about days gone by. It's never too late to reconnect with someone you miss. Love and romance are in the stars and travel will lead to a new adventure. 4 stars

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - just because

Bring On The Night - The Police

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!