Leaf Nation giving thanks this weekend

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

Well, the news Leaf Nation has been waiting for since the end of the 2007/08 season was made official yesterday - as native New Englander, Brian Burke was named the President and General Manager of our (that you, me and Hazel) Toronto Maple Leafs.

Not since Cliff Fletcher's initial appointment to the post has the future of the Leafs looked brighter. Burke said all of the things that resonate with Leaf Nation - vowing to transform the Leafs into a big, tougher and meaner team. For those that know the history of the Blue and White - those were the founding principles of the Leafs when the legandary Conn Smythe first founded the team.

Burke's initial presser put to bed speculation (on the part of the media, of course) that he would purge the Leafs of their European content in favour of a more North American roster. While the betting is that Burke will improve the North American/European ratio on the team - we can safely assume that some of Toronto's better prospects won't be traded for the sake of improving the ratio.

Yes indeed - the future has just gotten a lot brighter for Leaf Nation. A very Happy Thanksgiving after all.

SUNDAY THREE PLAY
Three picks for the 4:00 pm slate of games. The total for the year is still a respectable + $900, so we'll up the total today.

NEW ENGLAND -2.5 over Pittsburgh - the Steelers, like their cross-state counterparts (those stinking Eagles), look like champs against the league's lesser lights and rather ordinary against the better teams in the league. Lay $100 on the Pats.

NY JETS -7.5 over Denver - the Broncos can't stop anyone, so that doesn't bode well for them today against the Jets. Lay $100 on the Jets minus the points.

Kansas City +3.5 over Oakland - call it a hunch play, but I can't see the Raiders covering against the arch-rivals. Lay $100 on the Chiefs plus the points.

That's it for this afternoon - maybe a play on the late game to follow. Thanks for taking the time to check in.

Hazel, here's hoping things are groovy in your world and that you greeted the news of Burke's hiring with a thumbs up.

I'm Out!

Sunday's Suggestions

We'll get back to some regular blogging soon - especially with the news/speculation that former Anaheim Ducks GM Brian Burke will soon be in Toronto to sign a long-term deal to guide the Leafs.

SUNDAY THREE PLAY
A good week last week puts the total back into four digits; + $1,120. This afternoon's suggestions:

INDIANAPOLIS -8 over Houston - The Colts are starting to hit their stride, while the Texans have taken a couple of steps back after a nice three game run. Lay $100 on the Colts.

KANSAS CITY + 5.5 over New Orleans - don't like the Saints to cover this many points on the road, especially at Arrowhead. I think the Chiefs will shock everyone and win this one outright. Lay $100 on the Chiefs plus the points.

Going with two for the early afternoon - more suggestions on the late games to follow...YES, INCLUDING THE COWBOYS.

That's it for this morning gang - good luck if you play them.

Hazel, here's hoping things are groovy in your world, congrats on the MLB TV announcement.

I'm Out!

NFL Sunday Three Play

Hey Peeps and anyone else checking in. A special "Hey" goes out to Hazel Mae on this, the 10th NFL Sunday.

Last week was the first losing week this season - the total took a pretty substantial hit, but it still stands at + $920 for the year. Three early winners:

New Orleans +1.5 over ATLANTA - Brees is playing as good as anyone QB in the league right now, expect him to put up enough points to win this one outright. Lay $100 on the Saints.

Tennessee - 3 over CHICAGO - this might be the play of the day, the Bears will be hard pressed to score against a Titans D that has dominated everyone this year. Lay $200 on the Titans and give up the points.

NEW ENGLAND -3.5 over Buffalo - after a great start, the Bills have looked ordinary...the same old Bills. Lay $100 on the Pats.

That's it for this morning - back for late games.

Weekend recap at some point - highlighted by the Leafs/Habs game from last night where the Habs showed just how dirty/sneaky they are. Thanks for taking the time to check in.

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

I'm Out!

Late Sunday Picks

The afternoon is off to a very bad start - but the damage will be minimized with late game picks.

Philadelphia -7 over Seattle - Eagles D should be able to stuff Seahawks. Lay $100 on Eagles.

Oakland +2.5 over Atlanta - Raiders D should be enough to keep this really really close. $100 on Raiders.

Oh yeah - bet the Boys today, divisional game means it will be close. Expect the Cowboys to cover and I've got a feeling Brad Johnson maintains his perfect record against the Giants.

Back later

Sunday's Suggestions

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

Basking in the glow of TWO amazing come from behind wins by "our" beloved Toronto Maple Leafs in three days - they aren't your mama's Leafs anymore. More to come on the 2008/09 edition of the Leafs later.

SUNDAY THREE PLAY
Last week's picks split - so all in all it wasn't a bad day. The total for the year (beginning with week 1 of the NFL) stands at + $1,250. Today's suggestions - 1 pm games.


Houston +5.5 over MINNESOTA - the Texans have their offense going full steam - sure, some of the defenses have been suspect, but the Vikings pass D isn't exactly feared or respected. The Texans score enough to cover - actually, I think they'll win this outright. Lay $100 on the Texans plus the points.

BUFFALO -5 over NY Jets - the Jets proved last week that they are over-valued, Favre had a brutal day against the Chiefs at home - expect things to be much tougher against the Bills D. Lay $100 on the Bills minus the points.

Tampa Bay -9.5 over KANSAS CITY - betting on Bucs D to completely smother the Chiefs and Tyler Thigpen. Twinkle toes Garcia won't make as many mistakes as Favre did, so this one shouldn't be close. Lay $100 on the Bucs.

That's it for this morning - back for the 4 pm games a bit later. Thanks for taking the time to check in.

Hazel, here's hoping things are groovy in your world - enjoy your NFL Sunday.

I'm Out!