Sunny Side of the Street

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special “Hey” goes out to Hazel Mae if she is checking in.

Today is one of those days where no news is bad news. While many in Leaf Nation, yours truly included, believed/hoped that last night’s loss to the Canadiens would result in news from Toronto that General Manger John Ferguson Jr. had been relieved of his duties, such has not been the case.

Still though, we are looking for the silver lining today; we’re going to take a walk on the sunny side of the street.

Normally, we’re pretty crusty after a loss by the Leafs – we could be ranting about blowing two two-goal leads, another failed shootout, the questionable officiating where touching a Montreal player resulted in an interference/hooking/slashing or holding call, or how two of JFJ’s donkeys (McCabe and Andy Wozniewski) were in the penalty box together on Montreal’s third goal (second power play goal) of the night.

Remember, sunny side of the street; there were some positives in last night’s game:
• Captain Mats Sundin scored his 400th goal in a Leafs uniform, with less than 30 seconds left in regulation, to tie the game and get a point. Sundin also tied a Leafs record with at least one point in 14 consecutive home games.

• The loss last night should pretty much seal the fate of John Ferguson Jr. Another unacceptable performance that highlighted how “not ready for primetime” some of JFJ’s signings have been. Hello Andy Wozniewski!

Ok, so it may not really be “some” positives – unless our dream of Richard Peddie being removed from everything to do with the operation of the hockey team comes true. Oh what a Merry Christmas that would make for.

UEFA’s Champions League was in action yesterday, with Sporting Lisbon visiting Old Trafford to take on Manchester United. Again, we don’t normally celebrate losses by Portuguese teams – but Cristiano Ronaldo scored the game winner three minutes into injury time to secure a 2-1 win.

TUESDAY’S THREE STARS
Toronto Maple Leafs Captain Mats Sundin scores a late goal to hit two milestones – the exclamation point on his night came when he made Habs goalie Carey Price look like a donkey in the shootout.

Manchester United Winger Cristiano Ronaldo scores the winner against his old team to lead the Red Devils to a come from behind 2-1 win over Sporting Lisbon.

Lyon Midfielder Juninho scored a game-tying goal on a penalty in the 80th minute against Barcelona.

VfB Stuttgart Forward Ciprian Marica scored the game-winning goal in the 85th minute against Rangers.

Why the three football players? We were on the verge of ripping up a Pro-Line ticket when these three goals took place within minutes of each other – a 50-1 long-shot ticket (long-shot except for Man U) comes through. It’s going to make for a great Friday night…right Tilt?

WEDNESDAY THREE PLAY
Still trying to figure out how the NFL came to the decision to let Pittsburgh and Miami play Monday night. The total for the week stands - $190. Today’s suggestions:

Colorado over Edmonton – the Oilers have been better of late, but they don’t have enough to win in Colorado; Avs get it done tonight. Lay $100 on the Avs - $220.

San Jose over Los Angeles – this one burned us on Saturday, but San Jose won’t lose two in a row at home to the Kings. Lay $100 on the Sharks - $220.

Ottawa over NY Islanders – the Tards have been embarrassed in their last few games, so we’re expecting them to respond on Long Island tonight. Lay $100 on the Tards - $150.

That’s it for today gang – thanks for taking the time to check in. Special thanks to Tilt for posting this. Have a great one peeps.

Today’s song of the day – what else but:

Sunny Side of the Street – The Pogues

Hazel, we hope things are groovy in your world – Erin Andrews ain’t got nothin’ on you kid.

We’re Out!