They Love Me, They Love Me Not

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

Montreal Canadiens RW Sergei Samsonov cleared waivers yesterday and has returned to the Montreal Canadiens - a day after going on record as saying "Being scratched two games in a row, you're getting a clear answer that you're a problem, so maybe its the best solution for both parties." Montreal head coach Guy Carbonneau wasn't exactly thrilled that Samsonov went unclaimed; Carbonneau chose his words carefully when asked about plans for Samsonov - "He'll definitely be back in the lineup at some point." The Canadiens are in full damage control mode - to cover up the mistake in signing him and putting him on waivers. Carbonneau told the media that the coaching staff had to accept some blame for the way they handled Samsonov this year. Make no mistake gang, he isn't coming back unless there is a rash of injuries, or Montreal goes into free fall mode...by that time it will be too late.

All 29 teams passed on Samsonov, refusing to pick up the $1M+ left on this year's contract and the $3.5M for next year, which sends a clear message to the league "You mess up on a signing by overpaying a guy - you are going to get stuck with him." Its the new form collusion in the NHL where GM's are punishing their colleagues for bad signings - this sends a message to owners and GMs across the league "Stop paying guys big bucks".

Former New York Rangers Captain Mark Messier told the hockey world that he wants to come back to the NHL, with his old team the New York Rangers - except he wants to come back as the GM of the team. Funny thing is that the job is currently being held by the Moose's former coach Glen Sather. Sather must have felt like he had been blindsided by this one - with Messier making his desires known in the midst of a tough season for the Rangers - but he took the high road, saying that he would consider bringing Messier on as a GM.

Bringing a little sunshine to Hazel this morning - the SenaTards dropped a 3-2 decision last night in Buffalo. Thomas Vanek had two goals in the win; a heartbreaking loss for the Tards as they tied the game twice last night - just the way we like it. The Stanley Cup talk will die down, at least until tomorrow.

HAZEL'S THREE STARS
Buffalo Sabres LW Thomas Vanek drove a stake in the heart of the SenaTards last night (see above).

New York Islanders G Rick DiPietro made 29 saves in a 2-0 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers last night - Leaf Nation would be celebrating it a little more had the win not drawn the Islanders to within a point of Toronto.

San Jose Sharks RW Johnathan Cheechoo had two goals last night in a 3-2 win over the Ducks to avenge Tuesday night's loss.

THURSDAY'S THREE PLAY
The Blackhawks have picked this week to play like a decent hockey team and they are killing us. Another 2-1 night last night and another night in the red after playing a big favourite. Out total for the week stands at -$215.

Calgary over Columbus - you should be taken out back behind the barn and beaten for losing to the Blackhawks at home...Calgary makes up for it tonight. Lay $100 on Calgary - $160.

Minnesota over Florida - the Wild are great at home, the Panthers are bad on the road. Simple. Lay $100 on Minnesota - $200.

New Jersey over NY Islanders - Devils are thinking about staying within striking distance of Sabres...they won't let this one get away from them tonight. Lay $75 on Devils - $225.

That's about it for today gang...have a great one peeps!


KEEPING HAZEL UP ON WHAT'S WHAT IN TORONTO

Pat Burns remembers that 10 game winning streak

No timetable for Tucker's return

It wasn't pretty - It just looked that way

Killer checking in on the Maple Leafs

Richard Griffin isn't a fan of the Chickenhawk

Ken Fidlin wants to believe


HAZEL'S THURSDAY HOROSCOPE
Someone may try to dismantle your plans but, if you are well organized and follow a basic procedure, you will suffice. An opportunity to talk to someone about a volunteer position or a chance to travel to help others will lead somewhere. 3 stars

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the day on Hazelspeeps - what the Tards faithful, aka Sens Army, must be singing this morning

Nausea - Beck

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!