Maple Leafs Still Breathing

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

Leaf Nation looked at last night's game at the Hanger against the Carolina Hurricanes as a must win - and the good guys didn't disappoint. The Maple Leafs spanked the red-hot Canes last night by a score of 6-1 to keep their playoff hopes alive. Toronto's supporting cast stepped up last night in a game that saw the Leafs big line of Sundin, Ponikarovsky and Antropov limited to an unassisted goal by "Poni" when the game had pretty much been decided. Chad Kilger lead the way with two goals, Pavel Kubina, Yanic Perreault and Boyd Devereaux had the others. Toronto started out fast with a goal by Devereaux inside the first minute of the game and didn't fold when the Canes tied it 90 seconds later. The difference in the game was Leafs D Tomas Kaberle who controlled the game when he was on the ice - finishing the night with an assist and a + 3. The game included a couple of milestones - Yanic Perreault reached the 500 point mark for his career, while Chad Kilger reached the 200 point mark. All in all a great night for Toronto; Leaf Nation hopes that the good guys carry last night's effort into Atlanta on Thursday.

We are looking at things from a "glass half-full" point of view today - the win for the Leafs was great and kept their hopes alive; unfortunately for Toronto, the win didn't result in a big jump in the standings. Toronto is currently in 10th place - tied with Carolina, but behind the Canes in terms of win games won; two points behind the stinking Habs (though Toronto has a game in hand) and three points behind the Rangers and Lightning. The good news about last night was that two of three results Leaf Nation was hoping for wound up happening - the Lightning and Islanders both lost, the only black mark on the night was the Habs win...but they fall soon, we said weeks ago that they wouldn't make the playoffs and we're sticking to it. Toronto's main competition down the stretch will be the Canes who have an easy schedule and the Lightning who seem to be falling apart at the worst possible time.

The New York Islanders announced yesterday that Rick DiPietro would be out indefinitely after showing signs of post concussion syndrome. You have got to love the Islanders - their doctors clear him to come back and play a couple of games after suffering a concussion; a week later DiPietro is now out indefinitely. Thank you Steve Begin!

Reason number 543 on why it sucks to be a Bruins fan - your team has been playing terrible hockey: not scoring any goals, giving up leads, playing unspired hockey; and somehow you guys walk into Ottawa and beat the SenaTards. Where has that level of effort been over the last few weeks? By the way...I'm HATING the Bruins today, they blew my Pro-Line ticket. Yes I picked the Tards to beat the Bruins...wouldn't you?

The Euro 2008 qualifiers go today - with the most important game (from our perspective) going in Belgrade, where Portugal visits to play Serbia. Portugal currently sits in 3rd spot in their group - tied with Serbia, but ahead on goal differential - and they absolutely need a win to keep within striking distance of Poland and Finland, both of whom have easy games today. The news for the Seleccao das Quinas isn't all good today - star winger Cristiano Ronaldo left a training session with an injury to his heel and is doubtful for today's game. Portugal will look to Ricardo Quaresma to duplicate his performance against Belgium in Ronaldo's absence. Star midfielder Deco may be able to put on the jersey today as he returns from surgery on his finger. While this isn't necessarily a "must-win" for the boys in maroon (they'll likely wear the black jerseys today), they have to be looking at this game as one they should win. We're looking for a 2-0 win today with goals from Joao Moutinho and Nuno Gomes. Forca Lusitanos!


HAZEL'S THREE STARS
Toronto Maple Leafs D Tomas Kaberle had one assist and finished the night with a +3 rating - but more importantly controlled the play last night at the ACC. When Kaberle was on the ice, Toronto broke out of the zone crisply and turnovers were held to a minimum - he is Toronto's MVP this year.

Florida Panthers C Olli Jokinen had a goal and two assists in a 5-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning - a great result for Leaf Nation.

Dallas Stars C Mike Ribeiro had two goals and an assist in a 6-3 win over the Phoenix Coyotes - good for yesterday's Three Play. You know the deal here with Portuguese guys - they always get play here when they have a big game.


WEDNESDAY'S THREE PLAY
Another great night last night going 3-0 and finishing the night at + $300. It has been a great few weeks picking NHL games and we don't see this week being any different. Tonight's suggestions - the operative word being "suggestions".

Anaheim over Chicago - the Ducks have the San Jose Sharks hot on their tails, so they won't be letting up against the Hawks. Lay $100 on the Ducks - $230.

Buffalo over New Jersey - remember, the Sabres are the embodiment of their coach..."Ruff" at home and "Lindy" on the road. We like the Sabres to beat the Devils who are coming off a game against the Islanders last night. Lay $100 on the Sabres - $170.

That's it for this morning...we might be back later to suggest the Hurricanes over the Flyers and the Thrashers over the Panthers - but would I be a member good member of Leaf Nation if I suggested those two? We want to see both Carolina and Atlanta lose!

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


KEEPING HAZEL UP ON WHAT'S WHAT IN TORONTO
Leafs weren't scoreboard watching last night

Damien Cox on the Leafs chances

The webmasters at Canoe must have gotten drunk after the game last night - no updates from the Sun

BLUE JAYS
JZone

Jays expecting big things from Halladay and Burnett

Where is the offence?

Should he stay or should he go? John Thomson


HAZEL'S WEDNESDAY HOROSCOPE
You will be entertaining and able to talk anyone into anything today. Your dynamic approach and worldly views will captivate and excite. Don't sell yourself short -- you are worth your weight in gold. 5 stars

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world...looks like its going to be your day.

Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - wake up song

Fall to Pieces - Velvet Revolver

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!