Super Saturday - Slow Sunday

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

We are starting out this morning's post with FOOTBALL (World Football). Portugal scored four second-half goals to spank Belgium 4-0 on Saturday night in Lisbon. The "Seleccao das Quinas" dominated the first half, but came up empty due to poor finishing and some bad shot selection. Luiz Felipe Scolari field one of the youngest sides in recent memory with four of the 11 starters being 25 years old or younger - led by the best player on the planet right now - our boy Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo was unbelievable Saturday night and had Belgium mesmorized and hypnotized by his footwork and ball control - he scored two goals, but could have easily had four and added a couple of assists...poor finishing though. Another pleasant surprise was the play of Ricardo Quaresma, who is every bit as quick and tricky and Ronaldo, but lacks a bit of the polish. Quaresma terrorized Belgium down both wings - and should have had more than the one goal he scored - creating a number of chances for the Quinas. Still though, Quaresma scored the goal of the night from just inside the 18 yard box with beautiful fade off the outside of his foot that found the far corner of the net over a helpless Belgian keeper. A great night for the boys in maroon and green - and a bad night for the rest of the world that was watching...this team is very young, super talented and they have a swagger about them. They are going to be a powerhouse at the 2010 World Cup - Euro 2008 might be a bit early to see how good these guys are really going to be.

As I mentioned on Saturday morning/afternoon - I expected the Buffalo Sabres to emulate their a-hole of a coach and be "lindy" on the road. The Maple Leafs played pretty much the same game they did on Friday night in Buffalo, except they didn't blow a three goal lead in the third period. The second game in a row where Toronto out-played, out-hit, out-worked and out-shot the Sabres - this time though the PK unit held up. I'd go on and on about the win, but it didn't move the Leafs up in the standings because everyone else won. So its a make or break week for Toronto (this time I'm serious) and it all starts tomorrow night against Carolina - if the Leafs don't get it done tomorrow...they can kiss the 2007 playoffs goodbye.

The rest of the NHL weekend was a forgettable one from a Leafs Nation perspective. Everybody won on Saturday and a three point game between the Rangers and Islanders yesterday did nothing to help the cause.

HAZEL'S THREE STARS
We'll go back to Saturday for two of this morning's stars.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo was the man of the match on Saturday for scoring two goals and setting up another - we were looking for him to come up big and he didn't disappoint. The kid has to be considered the best player on the planet right now - Ronaldinho included.

Toronto Maple Leafs LW Darcy Tucker had two goals in Saturday night's win over the Sabres - Tucker was a force at the ACC, hitting every Sabre within five feet of him. The Leafs are a different team with this guy in the lineup - who knows where we would be had he not missed all those games with a broken foot.

Pittsburgh Penguins C Sidney Crosby had two goals and an assist in a 5-0 beatdown of the toothless Bruins yesterday in Steeltown.


KEEPING HAZEL UP ON WHAT'S WHAT IN TORONTO
Make or break week for Leafs

Hope still alive in Leafs Nation

Cola showing that he belongs

Leafs should take the bus more often

Game recap of Saturday night's win

O'Neill sits as Leafs Nation remembers "The Vaiver"


BLUE JAYS
Zambrano's recovery and attitude have Jays happy

Jays counting on Chacin

Zaun taking charge

Ohka A-Ok yesterday

Bullpen wide open - sounds like Boston huh?

Ryan will be ready for Opening Day

League may not be on Opening Day roster


KEEPING EVERYONE ELSE UP ON WHAT'S WHAT IN TORONTO
Does she remind you of anyone? Click "Sunday" - Damn! and you're welcome!

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


HAZEL'S MONDAY HOROSCOPE
Stand up for yourself and your rights. Challenges are not there to throw you off but, instead, to help you realize your potential. With an open mind and a warm heart, there's nothing you can't accomplish today. 2 stars

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - back to Saturday one more time

A Portugesa - Portuguese National Anthem

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!