Code Blue In Toronto

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

While many of you are likely full St. Patrick’s Day party mode, some of us in Leaf Nation aren’t feeling so festive after the events of this past weekend.

A candlelight vigil is being planned for later this week as Leaf Nation gathers at the bedside of the Toronto Maple Leafs who are now on life support after a weekend where a series of worst case scenarios were realized.

While players and management still maintain they have an outside shot at the playoffs (six points back of the Flyers and four teams to leapfrog), even the most die-hard members of the Nation can’t be feeling too good about their chances – especially with Mats Sundin and Nik Antropov on the limp. Saturday night’s loss to the Sabres pretty much sealed the fate of the 2007/08 Maple Leafs, particularly when coupled with the fact that the teams Toronto is chasing all managed to pick up points.

The numbers say that they are still mathematically alive – however, the numbers don’t take into account the NHL’s focus on divisional rivalries. The last 9 or 10 games of the season will be made up mostly of divisional games – meaning the potential for (probability of) a number a three point games. The likelihood of Toronto running the table with nine straight wins to close out the season is not good; the odds say that it is next to impossible for them to do it without Mats Sundin and Nik Antropov being healthy. The Leafs are in the position of needing a miracle to qualify for the playoffs – and I’m not talking Hazel Karma; while Hazel is certainly divine, Leaf Nation needs divine intervention. Leaf Nation is about to find out if we are, as we would like to think, “God’s team”.

For members of the Nation or are practicing (or lapsed) Catholics – Easter weekend is coming up…can the Leafs’ playoff hopes be resurrected? We’ll see.

Many thanks to those of you who left reminders in my inbox about the Bruins’ three-point weekend, if you really think that is enough to separate them from the oncoming pack…ummmm, ok then.

WEEKEND’S THREE STARS
It was a red letter kind of weekend.

Manchester United Winger Cristiano Ronaldo scores the lone goal in a 1-0 win over Derby, moving the Red Devils to the top of the standings in the Premier League – the man keeps scoring.

Athletico Madrid M, and Portugal international, Simao Sabrosa scores the opening goal in a 3-0 win over Levante in the Spanish Liga.

Former SenaTards D, Joe Corvo scores his first career hat-trick to lead the Carolina Hurricanes to a 5-1 pounding of the Tards…prompting SenaTards faithful to question why they ever traded the man they loved to hate. Tards fans…go figure.

MONDAY THREE PLAY
Last week wrapped up with a positive balance; + $255 for those of you keeping track. The total for the year is still ugly, but it is coming down slowly. Tonight’s suggestions:

Minnesota over Colorado – the Wild absolutely have to have this game, they are tied with the Avs and can’t afford to give away points on home ice where they are usually lights out. Lay $100 on the Wild - $130.

Vancouver over Phoenix - Don’t think much of Luongo and the Canucks, but you have to think they’ll pull it out tonight, especially with their backs against the wall and fighting to stay in playoff contention. Lay $100 on Vancouver - $150.

That’s it for today gang – thanks for taking the time to check in.

In honour of St. Patrick’s Day – for those of you who celebrate on the basis of ancestry, or because you are looking for any excuse to drink your faces off and pretend to be Irish…the song of the day

A Pair of Brown Eyes – The Pogues

For Leaf Nation, thinking about what needs to happen for the Buds to play into April and beyond –

E=MC2 – Big Audio Dynamite

Hazel, here’s hoping things are groovy in your world.

I’m Out!