Musings from the desk of Pogue

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

Quick post today, as picking this week's NFL games has taken priority - these Thursday games are killers as it cuts three full days of "mulling over" time.

Things that make you go hmmmm - for your consideration and/or comment.

Is anyone else tired of hearing these donkeys that profess to be NFL experts talk about "the blueprint to beat the Patriots"? If, as these donkeys suggest, the blueprint to beating the Patriots is to:

get pressure on Brady and knock him down
be physical with the Patriots wide receivers
control the time of possession with a good running game and/or controlled passing game
wear down the Patriots D in hopes of finding holes later in the game.

Seriously - is that really ground breaking stuff? Are these donkeys suggesting that NFL coaches don't already know this? Seems to us like "the blueprint" is applicable in just about every single NFL game and goes for beating everyone...not just the Patriots - which of course, no one has yet. For the record, we are still calling for a Cowboys win over the Patriots in the Super Bowl, 31-27.

First impressions mean a lot in the NHL - at least to those covering the NHL. Teams that got off to a good start, but are now struggling, will be fine according to the "experts". The reasoning goes that this is just a minor blip in their season and that they'll get things turned around soon enough - in case you are wondering, YES, we are referring to all of the Ottawa SenaTards' ball washers who have ignored this seven game slide. To these donkeys, the Tards shouldn't be concerned that their goaltending has reverted to form - average - nope; they are so star struck in their man love for the Tards that they gloss over holes (take that however you want).

Same goes for the Canadiens who are terrible right now - no mention of how they are one of the worst teams in the league 5 on 5 and how they are sunk unless they get a couple of power play goals every night. No, the Habs will be fine.

Now the Maple Leafs, on the other hand, are a whole different story. The Leafs have won three in a row over some pretty decent competition - but the media here joke about how Leaf Nation is planning a Stanley Cup parade after three wins (which isn't true of course) and pass this off as an anomaly. Oh yeah, they are enjoying the fact that Wade Belak scored for the first time in almost four years - making it seem like Leaf Nation is holding him up as a hero. In their minds, there is no way this Leafs team could possibly get better as the season goes on - nope. They said the Leafs wouldn't make the playoffs and dammit, that's the way it is going to be.

First impressions huh?

OK, hands up for those of you who think the Detroit Tigers are now the favourites to win the AL East? The addition of Miguel Cabrera means that the Tigers lineup, 1 through 5 is as tough as anyone in the league - probably the best (sorry Red Sox Nation). If Dontrelle Willis returns to form as one of the best young pitchers in the game - this team could very well be hosting the AL East Championship Series. They have a few question marks in the bullpen - but that hitting lineup can hide some of the deficiencies.


TUESDAY'S THREE STARS
Benfica striker Oscar Cardozo scores both goals in a 2-1 win over Shaktar Donetsk to leave the Eagles in 3rd place in their Champions League group. Benfica doesn't progress to knockout stage, but they will play for the UEFA Cup.

Toronto Maple Leafs G Vesa Toskala, the much-maligned Vesa Toskala, was outstanding yesterday in the Leafs 3-1 win over Nashville. Toskala stopped 34 shots and stole the game for the Leafs.

Detroit Red Wings C Pavel Datsyuk had two goals in the Red Wings 4-1 win over Montreal last night - "Dats" made the Habs D look like donkeys as he created a scoring chance every time he touched the puck.


WEDNESDAY THREE PLAY
We split last night - leaving the total for the week unchanged. Didn't we tell you the Leafs and Lightning would win? Tonight's suggestions:

Pittsburgh over Edmonton - the Oilers have been much better lately, but they might not be able to keep up with the Penguins tonight. Pittsburgh has too much offensive firepower for Edmonton to deal with. Lay $100 on the Pens - $125.

Minnesota over Philadelphia - what it comes down to is that the Wild are getting great goaltending from Backstrom and the Flyers aren't from Biron. If we're lucky, we'll get to see Derek Boogaard pound a member of the Flyers tonight. Lay $100 on the Wild - $150.

Ottawa over Florida - as much as we've enjoyed the losing streak - it'll probably end tonight and the Tards Army (donkeys) will be talking Stanley Cup. Lay $100 on the Tards - $145.

New Jersey over Boston - Devils are playing their best hockey of the season, which could mean trouble for the Bruins who have enough trouble scoring goals when they aren't facing a hot Martin Brodeur. Lay $100 on the Devils - $160.

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

Hazel, we hope things are groovy in your world.

We're Out!