Leap Frogging Leafs?

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

To our friends down south, I ask "How was Day 1 of March Madness?" If you are reading this page, chances are you are celebrating Boston College's win over Texas Tech - so congratulations. From my perspective Day 1 sucked the big one - I threw few a pieces of whale blubber down on a couple of sports lottery tickets that looked pretty damn good until tonight; Marquette's loss blew two tickets that would have paid $600 in total, and Duke's brain cramp against Virginia Commonwealth flushed another $180 down the drain. It only cost me ten bucks - but when you are staring $800 in the face, only to watch it get flushed...well, it sucks.

On to better news - in UEFA Cup play yesterday, Benfica of Lisbon beat Paris St. Germain by a 3-1 count last night at the Estadio da Luz, to advance to the next quarter-final play. Portugal International Simao Sabrosa scored on a penalty shot in the 89th minute to give Benfica a 4-3 win on aggregate. Tough loss for former Portugal Internation Pauleta - but we have to support the home side. Forca Benfica!

Leafs Nation could not have hoped for a better night in the NHL last night. The hated SenaTards spanked the DiPietro-less Islanders by a 5-2 count last night, keeping the Isles within one point of the good guys. The Cam Janssen led Devils held on for a nerve-wracking 3-2 win in Carolina last night, also keeping the Canes within one point. A win tonight in Washington would see the Leafs jump both teams into seventh place in the Eastern Conference. Thanks go out to the Boston Bruins, who teased their fans with a shootout win against the Capitals last night; taking the Caps to a shootout when the Leafs are sitting back kicking their feet up in Washington bodes well for tonight's game - I hope karma doesn't come back to bite me in the ass on this one.

Two very winable games this weekend, tonight in Washington and tomorrow in Montreal - and with it, a very good chance to solidify themselves as a playoff team. A 2-0 weekend would be a nice start to a playoff run that will see Toronto face New Jersey at home and finish out the week with a home and home against Buffalo next weekend. Toronto has to put points in the bank while they can. Is it too early to call on Hazel Karma for this weekend? Naaaaaah. Come on Hazel...support the blue and white - its ok, everyone knows the Bruins are done anyways.

HAZEL'S THREE STARS
New Jersey Devils G Martin Brodeur stood on his head in the third period last night to preserve a 3-2 for the Devils over Carolina. Leafs Nation wants to salute Brodeur for a job well done - do it again this weekend against the Canes Marty!

Buffalo Sabres D Brian Campbell had three assists in a 5-3 win over the Panthers last night - it was between Campbell and Boston's Marc Savard...but given the calibre of the opposition, we went with Campbell.

Benfica winger Simao Sabrosa scored the decisive goal yesterday to send the Eagles to the UEFA Cup quarter-finals - this kid is a big game player...he always seems to come up big when his team needs him.


FRIDAY THREE PLAY
Another very good night last night going 3-0 and bringing the total for the week back up to + $415. We are going to play it safe tonight.

Toronto over Washington - Maurice won't let Toronto look past this game and leave two valuable points on the table - Sundin leads the Leafs to victory tonight. Lay $100 on Toronto - $200.

Pittsburgh over Montreal - Same as above, Penguins have their sights set on the fourth seed in the Conference and have too much firepower for a punchless Habs team. Lay $100 on the Penguins - $225.

Anaheim over Chicago - this one is a little scary, especially since the Hawks have screwed us before this year in Anaheim; still though, tough to see the Ducks dropping this one. Lay $50 on the Ducks - $380.

That's about it for today gang - enjoy Day 2 of March Madness...we'll be looking for UNLV and Notre Dame to come up big for the longshot ticket we still have going.


KEEPING HAZEL UP ON WHAT'S WHAT IN TORONTO
Raycroft has a chance to equal Belfour's record

Talk that Kaberle could be back Saturday vs Habs

Raycroft isn't feeling the love - yet

Damien Cox's mailbag

Kaberle skating pain-free

Where the Leafs stand now

Kabby making the trip to Washington - he's not dressing though

Thanks for helping out and being a team guy Travis

Peca and Kaberle back on the ice - return date up in the air

Kubina learns from the past - stuffing St. Louis

Tonight's game vs Washington to be broadcast on the Net


BLUE JAYS

AJ Burnett mellowing out

Towers finding his way

Ohka has a bit of a chip on his shoulder


HAZEL'S FRIDAY HOROSCOPE
This is a fabulous learning day for you. The experience you gain will help you get further ahead personally and professionally. Travel, getting to the bottom of situations and dealing with matters head-on will lead to success. 4 stars

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - wake up song

You're All I Have - Snow Patrol

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!