The Hazies - The Champs & The Chumps

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

Time to take a look back at the week that was in the world of sports and award those who distinguished themselves as champs with an honourary "Hazie Award" - the lucky few have the title of "Hazel's Hero" bestowed upon them for the week. On the flip, we take a look at those who bumbled, fumbled or crumbled their way into the news. To these chumps we have nothing - maybe a bit of sympathy from Hazel, but we're not going on record with that one. While Hazel herself hasn't officially approved this week's list - we'd like to think she give her trademark smile and thumbs up.

HAZEL'S HEROES - THE CHAMPS

FOOTBALL - NFL
While it was pretty much a forgettable weekend in the NFL - we have to give it up to Green Bay Packers QB Brett Favre who passed former Dolphins great Dan Marino for number one on the all-time list of passing yards by a QB. Favre isn't one of our favourites - but he has been pretty humble about the milestones he's reached and yesterday was no different. Favre gave it up to Marino by saying that Marino achieved the mark the way you are supposed to do it - the way a coach would want you to play the position. Favre as is his custom, took a bit of a self-depricating shot. We'll see how funny he is when the Packers lose to the Cowboys in the NFC Championship game in January.


HOCKEY - NHL
Calgary Flames RW Jarome Iginla was named the NHL's First Star of the Week. Iginla was a dominant force in leading the Flames to four consecutive road wins - scoring seven goals, including two game winners, and adding three assists. Iginla's monster week left him second to Vincent Lecavalier in league scoring. Like we said this morning - one of the three best players in the league this season.

Dallas Stars D Sergei Zubov was named the Second Star of the Week. Zubov had a goal and seven assists in helping the Stars win three games last week. Zubov leads all defencemen in scoring with 32 points in 33 games.

Philadelphia Flyers RW Joffrey Lupul was named the Third Star of the Week. Lupul, who had a six point game against the Penguins, finished the week with six goals (two hat tricks) and four assists in three games - the change of scenery from Edmonton has rejuvenated this guy.

Pittsburgh Penguins C Sidney Crosby won the Lou Marsh award as Canada's top male athlete, beating out NBA MVP Steve Nash for the award.

Speaking of the Penguins - we are going to give it up to Pittsburgh's Georges Laraque this week for proving the old adage that there is honour amongst the tough guys. Laraque has SenaTards tough guy (trash talker) Brian McGratten dead to rights when he dropped him with one punch - Laraque, rather than pounding McGratten let up knowing that McGratten had hurt his shoulder. If this one sounds strange - if things were reversed and Laraque was fighting a punk like Chris Neil - Neil would have taken two or three more shots...but then again, Neil is only a tough guy when he fights lightweights.

FOOTBALL - EUROPE
AC Milan Midfielder Kaka was named the FIFA World Player of the Year. The Brazilian beat out Barcelona's wonderkid Lionel Messi and Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo. We aren't taking anything away from Kaka - who had a great season in Italy; however, Ronaldo got screwed in this vote that was more of a popularity contest.

Ronaldo dominated the world's best domestic league like no one has for years, he dominated in qualification games for Euro 2008, and played his heart out in Champions League. The vote was given to Managers and team captains around the world. The British propaganda machine played a big role in this year's vote. Ronaldo's reputation - built and exaggerated by the British media - came back to haunt him. Muito parabems Kaka e Ronaldo.


THE RUNNERS UP - THE CHUMPS

FOOTBALL - NFL
See yesterday's entry for the "why(s)".

Individual awards
Detroit Lions QB Jon Kitna ties a career-best in throwing five interceptions against the Lions - way to go big guy.

New York Giants QB Eli Manning almost ties Broadway Joe for most incomplete passes in a single game - 34 for Eli. I wonder if he would tell Hazel that he really wanted to kiss her - would that launch "Kissing Hazel Mae" dot com?

Team awards
Baltimore Ravens - for bringing the standard of sucking down to an all-time low.

Seattle Seahawks - they normally beat up on bad teams, losing to the Panthers proves these guys are a joke.

Cincinnati Bengals - they rival Baltimore after their performance against San Francisco.


HOCKEY - NHL
New York Islanders LW Chris Simon has been asked to leave the team after another ugly on-ice incident. For those of you who missed it - Simon stamped on Penguins' forward Jarko Ruutu's leg - which could have resulted in a very serious injury. We had Simon's back after the incident with Ryan Hollweg of the Rangers - but there is no excuse for what he did to Ruutu. That could very well be the last game Simon ever plays.

Carolina Hurricanes LW Scott Walker was suspended for a game after head-butting SenaTards C Mike Fisher after a fight last week - it was a weak response to having been dusted by Fisher.


FOOTBALL - EUROPE
All the donkeys who didn't vote for Ronaldo - we're sure you have your reasons, and we're even more sure they were all the wrong ones.


UNDECIDED

BASEBALL
We're not putting much credence in the Mitchell Report - but we have to say that Andy Pettitte has to be given some amount of credit for standing up and offering an explanation for his involvement with performance enhancing substances. Whether you believe his explanation or not - Pettitte has stood up and admitted he used them; unlike others who have said that they will address the allegations and remain silent. Fans of the Blue Jays are still waiting to hear from a certain catcher who said he would make a statement.


TUESDAY THREE PLAY
We got off to a very good start last night - going 3-0 and starting off the week with a + $300 cushion. We told you, the long road back to respectability starts this week. Tonight's suggestions:

Philadelphia over Phoenix - the Coyotes won their road game for the month last week - the Flyers haven't been great at home, but they have more than enough to beat Phoenix. Lay $100 on the Flyers - $170.

Atlanta/Tampa Bay over 6 - two teams with plenty of offensive firepower and lingering questions about their goaltending - ok, it sucks in both cases. Lecavalier vs Kovalchuk should be fun to watch - those red lights better have a fresh set of Energizers in them. Lay $100 on the over - $125.

New York over Pittsburgh - the Rangers are coming off one of their worst performances of the year in dropping a game to Phoenix on Sunday - they should respond against the Penguins who have issues between the pipes. Lay $100 on the Rangers - $145.

That's it for today gang - thanks for taking the time to check in. Have a great one peeps.

Hazel, we hope things are groovy in your world.

We're Out!