The Battle of Ontario

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

One of the NHL's best, if not THE best, rivalry heats up tonight at the Scotiabank Place in Ottawa. The Toronto Maple Leafs are coming in to play a SenaTard team that has lost three straight games, blowing 3rd period leads of two, two and three goals - the Tards faithful is taking some comfort in the fact they have managed to pick up points for losses in overtime...but you have to be worried about this team. Toronto has its own issues to contend with, Tomas Kaberle is still out of the lineup and Pavel Kubina is definitely less that 100% (less the 80% actually). A point tonight gives the Leafs sole possession of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, but with the Leafs schedule the rest of the way, they have to find a way to dig down and win tonight - or at least pick up three points in the next two games against the Tards. Given the way the Tards are blowing leads like a $20 dollar street walker - a Leaf win isn't out of the realm of possibility. We are looking for Jeff O'Neill and Darcy Tucker to come up big against the Tards - these two normally save their A games for Ottawa.

In other games of interest in the NHL - the new look (same old result) Boston Bruins welcome the Minnesota Wild at the TD Banknorth Garden tonight - while Bruins' faithful will point to the fact they have games in hand over the teams they are chasing, I would caution that:

• they still have four teams to leap frog to get into eighth; and
• they have to actually win those games in hand to be in the mix - something that the inconsistent B's haven't been able to do with any regularity lately.
  

It will be interesting to see how the Canadiens respond to the Alexei Kovalev fiasco - for those of you that don't know, a Montreal paper claims that they got a hold of a transcript published in a Russian newspaper where Kovalev allegedly ripped his teammates and the organization on a Russian radio show. Kovalev who has always been outspoken and a straight shooter denies the statements attributed to him - as you can well imagine, the Montreal media are circling like sharks around chum. We went on record a couple of weeks back saying the Habs were done - we believe that more today than we did when we first wrote it.

The Rangers could make things very interesting tonight with a win of the Islanders, who haven't exactly been lighting it up since trading for Ryan Smyth. Recent history would suggest that the Rangers, being the road team, come out with a win - but from a Leaf Nation perspective...this game sucks, two teams we are fighting it out with have the opportunity to pick up a point tonight.

Benfica of Lisbon, YES we are talking UEFA Cup football today, travel to France to play Paris St. Germain today in the 1st leg of the Round of 16. Paris St. Germain feature former Portugal international Pauleta who is having another good season in France. We are looking for a 1-0 Benfica win today. SC Braga host England's Tottenham in one of the other games - the Spurs have been playing well of late, but we'll call for a 2-1 Braga win.

HAZEL'S THREE STARS
Manchester United Winger Cristiano Ronaldo had a great run yesterday, beating two Lille defenders before crossing the ball to Henrik Larsson for the only goal yesterday. Ronaldo's run was a thing of beauty, and proof that he is one of the most electrifying players in world football.

Tampa Bay Lightning C Vincent Lecavalier continues to light it up - two goals to lead his team to a 3-1 victory over an injury depleted Oilers team that is playing out the string with no emotion or passion. Not surprising when you have the heart and soul ripped out of your team.

Coloraro Avalanche C Paul Statsny had an assist in a 3-2 victory over the Sabres last night - Statsny tied a rookie record for most consecutive games with at least one point.


THURSDAY THREE PLAY
Our total for the week stands at zero - we haven't gotten around to suggesting plays. We'll go with two for tonight - with the possibility of another one being added later.

Vancouver over Phoenix - the Coyotes have nothing to play for; expect the Canucks to roll in this one. Lay $100 on Vancouver - $170.

Atlanta over Montreal - Habs are done, Thrashers seem to be playing a bit better of late. Look for that high octane offence to get well again tonight. Lay $50 on Atlanta - $200.

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


KEEPING HAZEL UP ON WHAT'S WHAT IN TORONTO

Kaberle plans to play again this year

Kaberle pulls an "Arnie"

Leafs are still in the hunt

Wellwood looking to come back Tuesday

1 year anniversary of Canada's win over US in WBC

Is the Chickenhawk going to trade Rios?

Life's good for Aaron Hill

Halladay pacing himself


HAZEL'S THURSDAY HOROCOPE
An opportunity will arise if you share your creative ideas or travel to visit someone who can help you bring a new project to life. Steady work will bring gains but may require you to put in your own personal touch. 3 stars

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - both related to Hazel's day today.

I'm Too Sexy - Right Said Fred

and

Three Cheers for Ottawa - Fan 590

So get ready for the crying
Take out your hankerchiefs
You're about to get your ass kicked
By the TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!