You Gotta BeLeaf

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

Back from the dead - not me, I'm still dying today, but Hazel's Maple Leafs pulled one out of the fire last night. Toronto kept their playoff hopes alive with a great come from behind victory over the hated SenaTards; coming back from being down 3-1 in the third period to pull out a 4-3 overtime victory over the Tards. After a listless performance on Thursday night, Toronto came out on fire last night taking to the Tards; the Leafs out hit, out worked and out chanced the Tards. Tards goalie Ray Emery stood on his head in the first period robbing the Leafs of three certain goals and was the main reason the Tards escaped with a 1-0 first period lead. Things went from bad to worse in the second - down 2-0, the Leafs fought back with a 5-3 power goal by Darcy Tucker to close the gap to one goal. Toronto fans saw an all too familiar sight late in the second when the Tards scored a short-handed goal off a face off to make it 3-1.

The Leafs showed the character they have become known for; they kept coming at the Tards, pressuring their defence into mistakes and winning battles for the puck, leading to two third period goals by Boyd Devereaux and Nik Antropov. Darcy Tucker scored the overtime winner after Matt Stajan out-battled Wade Redden along the boards to spring Tucker and Kubina into the zone - a beautiful give and go with a great finish sealed the game.

Both teams downplayed the game and said all the right things - Toronto said the important thing was getting the two points and focusing on their next game; the Tards claimed a moral victory picking up 3 of the 4 points up for grabs. The win was huge for Toronto, in terms of beating their arch rival and coming from behind to do it - for Ottawa, it is time to worry; another two goal lead in the third period winds up being a loss. Toronto showed every other team in the league how to beat the Tards - Ottawa still can't deal with physical hockey, they fold the tent. I counted at least four different times when Dany Heatley turned away from the puck to avoid being hit, Spezza, Redden and Phillips each did it twice - four supposed leaders not willing to sacrifice to make a play (or prevent one)...the SenaTards faithful is starting to panic, with very good reason. Leaf Nation is smiling today; last night's game might be a spring board to a solid run to the playoffs. Hazel Karma baby...Hazel Karma.

HAZEL'S THREE STARS
Toronto Maple Leafs LW Darcy Tucker scored two big goals last night, the first to get the Leafs back in the game, the second to win it - welcome back Darcy.

Chicago Blackhawks C Jeff Hamilton had three goals and two assists in a 7-5 victory over the Coyotes - yes its only the Coyotes, but 5 points is enough to make the list.

Manchester United Winger Cristiano Ronaldo scores again, this time on a penalty shot to lift his team to a 2-2 to force a replay in the FA Cup. Ronaldo, love him or hate him, has to be in line for the FIFA World Player of the Year.


SUNDAY THREE PLAY
Another good night last night - winning both games to bring our total for the week up to + $450. Two safe plays to finish out a great week.

San Jose over Edmonton - No way the Sharks blow it today. Lay $100 on San Jose - $310.

Anaheim over Vancouver - Time for the Canucks to drop one on the road. Lay $75 on the Ducks - $160.


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


KEEPING HAZEL UP ON WHAT'S WHAT IN TORONTO

Maurice said it would be a dogfight to make the playoffs

Leaf Nation loving Tucker

Peca skating - could be back for playoffs

Wellwood was a factor last night

Sun's recap of last night's game


HAZEL'S SUNDAY HOROSCOPE
Get out and experience what's going on in your community or take a trip that will open your eyes to different cultures and lifestyles. A little romance is in the stars. This is a great day to make personal changes. 5 stars

Hazel, I hope things are groovy in your world.

Song of the Day on Hazelspeeps - just because

Personal Jesus - Depeche Mode

Peesth Out...Buh Bye!