A FIFA sanctioned event?

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

If you have read this page in the past - you know what the feeling is when it comes into international football (soccer) events. Whether the tournament is sanctioned by FIFA or UEFA, you can be sure that there will a number of questionable calls that will impact games and derail the hopes and aspirations of those competing and the fans who pour their heart and soul into the event. If football, it is an inevitability - however, fans of the NHL have long expected that come playoff time, the officials would "let players decide the outcome of the game".

This year's playoff have been a complete and utter joke - with the questionable (bordering on horrible) officiating primarily to blame. The officiating has been inconsistent at the best of times and downright horrible at the worst. Check the linescores of the first two games of every series and it doesn't take an expert to see that the rules have seemingly changed from game 1 to game 2. Just ask fans of the Calgary Flames who saw their team take six straight penalties against the San Jose Sharks in game 2 - SIX straight penalties in one period. Ask the 10+ fans of the Predtors who watched as the officials disallowed a good goal for the Preds and sealed their fate by putting their whistle away on a play that resulted in a goal against them. Ask Hazel Mae and any fan of the Bruins how they felt about last night's game - with the Bruins having to kill TWO five on three penalty situations on some questionable calls and a cheap one in to give the Canadiens a power play in overtime.

If I didn't know better, I'd swear FIFA is running the playoffs this year. Going back to predictions I made earlier this week - saying that is officials called "ticky-tack" penalties, the Bruins would be eliminated quickly - I never thought it would impact as many series as it has.

Welcome to the new NHL - ugh.

SUNDAY THREE PLAY
After a good Friday night - the total for the week is even. Probably best to stay away from the NHL today, unless you are in Boston and see Hazel going into the Banknorth Garden to catch the game 3 - then call your book and bet the Bruins...Hazel Karma. Today's suggestions:

Los Angeles over San Diego - Chad Billingsley has gotten off to a tough start this season, but he dominated the Padres last year. Lay $100 on the Dodgers - $140.

Cleveland over Oakland - it is time for the A's to realize who they really are. They won't sweep the Indians, not with Chad Gaudin on the mound. Lay $100 on the Tribe - $155.

Tampa Bay over Baltimore - see above, the O's are playing way over their heads...its about time they come crashing down. Lay $100 on the Rays - $125.

Back later with some night game picks - thanks for taking the time to check in.

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

I'm Out!