The irony of it all - ask Boston and Ottawa

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

The irony of where things stand in the NHL’s Eastern Conference playoff race has not been lost on Leaf Nation.

Last week, the now hated Bruins officially eliminated the Leafs from a chance at the post-season by sweeping a home and home series with the good guys. The loudest cheers came from the “hockey country” – aka the land of the SenaTards – followed closely by what remains of the Bruins fan base in New England.

Funny how things work out – one week later and the Leafs find themselves in a position to derail, or at the very least obstruct, the playoff hopes of one of their divisional rivals.

The Tards visit Toronto tomorrow night, fresh off ANOTHER loss to a team that was severely undermanned – for those of you counting, the relatively healthy Tards have lost games to Montreal (twice), Toronto, Boston, Buffalo and Carolina – knowing full well that a loss at the ACC could allow a number of teams to get by them in the standings; thus leaving Friday night’s game against the Bruins as a must win. Conversely, a Bruins loss tonight coupled with the Leafs losing to the Tards will make things pretty tough for the Bruins with the Canes and Caps having some creampuff games to end the season and the Flyers playing better of late. Who knows?

The thought of the Leafs dealing a deathblow to the Tards playoff hopes would ease the disappointment of not making the playoffs – plus it would give members of the Nation here in “hockey country” something to laugh about all summer. Those loud mouths are no longer comparing this year’s edition of the Tards to the Habs of the 70’s.

Tonight Leaf Nation puts aside our hated of conference rivals like the Bruins and the Flyers – we want to see both win; just to put a bit more heat on the Tards. Go Leafs Go.

TUESDAY’S THREE STARS

Montreal Canadiens G Carey Price stopped 32 shots in a 3-0 win over the Tards – good times when you hear the “Sens Army” booing their team off the ice.

Boston Red Sox P Daisuke Matsuzaka limits the A’s to 1 run on two hits over 6.2 innings while striking out nine in a 2-1 win.

Los Angeles Dodgers LF Delwyn Young knocked in the winning run in a 3-2 win over the Giants – hours after undergoing a root canal.

WEDNESDAY THREE PLAY

Tough night last night with Pedro getting hurt early in the game against the Marlins. – total for the week stands at - $110. Tonight’s suggestions

Philadelphia over Washington – I’ll take Cole Hamels over Tim Redding every day of the week. Lay $100 on the Phillies - $220.

Chicago over Cleveland – as good has Fausto Carmona was last year, his numbers against the White Sox are ugly – worth an upset shot with Javier Vasquez. Lay $100 on the White Sox + $160.

Toronto over NY Yankees – While I’m not buying this notion that AJ Burnett can be healthy for a full season, I’ll trust him tonight against Mike Mussina (yuck). Lay $100 on the Jays + $150

Carolina over Tampa Bay – the Hurricanes absolutely need this game – they are tied with the Caps and in danger of being overtaken. Lecavalier and the Lightning have packed it in for the season (see Atlanta game). Lay $100 on the Canes - $200.

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

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

I’m Out!