Welcome to Leaf Nation

Membership in Leaf Nation has grown by approximately 1% as we gladly (ok, somewhat grudgingly) welcome the collective fan bases of the Bruins, Flyers, Capitals, and the Hurricanes who will all be hoping that the Leafs can duplicate their effort of a couple of weeks back and pull out a win over the SenaTards tonight at The Hanger.

The sense of fear amongst the “Sens Army” is palpable today – for all their bravado about how their team will be up for a game against their arch-rival, the underlying sense of doubt is evident. The game lost a bit of significance, thanks to the Flyers losing 4-2 to the Penguins last night, but there is still a chance that the Tards could fall out of the top eight with a loss tonight to Toronto and a loss to Boston at Scotiabank Place on Friday. The Tards are in free-fall mode so it isn’t out of the question.

The bad news for our newest temporary members of Leaf Nation is that Mats Sundin and Nik Antropov won’t be suiting up tonight – both have been shut down for the remaining two games of the season. The good news is that Vesa Toskala is expected to make the start, AND the Tards have a long and well-documented history of losing to under-manned Leaf teams in big games – keep the faith gang, our boys will get it done for you tonight.

There isn’t much left to say other than – Go Leafs Go!

WEDNESDAY’S THREE STARS
Boston Red Sox P Jon Lester threw 6.2 innings of shutout ball, giving up three hits and three walks while striking out three to lead the Sox to a 5-0 win over the A’s. Honourable mention goes to Big Papi who hit a HR – the Maeple Leafs GM says “It’s about time David.”

Toronto Blue Jays CF Vernon “Dr. Evil” Wells had three hits, including a two-run HR, to power the Jays to a 5-2 win over the Yankees.

Carolina Hurricanes RW Chad Larose had a hat-trick in a 6-2 win over the Lighting – good for the Three Play.


THURSDAY THREE PLAY
Tough day yesterday going 2-2 and winding up in the red – the White Sox loss was particularly horrible, costing yours truly 500 big ones on a long-shot Pro Line ticket. A few suggestions for this afternoon with the night games coming later.

Detroit over Kansas City – while it is still to early to say “team X” won’t get swept, you have to think this would be the case in this series – Kansas City can’t possibly start the season by sweeping the much-heralded Tigers…can they? Lay $100 on Detroit - $200.

Philadelphia over Washington – burned yesterday by an outstanding performance by Tim Redding – but see above, the Phillies can’t start the season by being swept at hone. Lay $100 on the Phils - $180.

San Diego over Houston – former Dodgers P Randy Wolf takes the mound against Houston, while that shouldn’t be of great comfort, what should is that Shawn Chacon is pitching for Houston. Lay $100 on the Padres - $155.

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

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

I’m Out!