It’s my Parting Shot for my reactions to the headlines in today’s Star-Phoenix Sports Section…
First headline…Leafs regained confidence with big win, Babcock says. My reaction…no doubt, the home crowd at Air Canada Centre helped out on Monday. But, that could all be washed away by the end of the first period when Toronto hosts Boston. That won’t be until Thursday! Again, as I told you Monday, momentum doesn’t carry over from game-to-game. Good for the Buds, though, that they have their confidence back. However, their fans should be concerned that the confidence can become so frail so easily within their dressing room!
Next headline…Hellebuyck shuts door on Wild, Goalie outstanding, Schiefele scores two as Jets go up 3-1 in series. Reaction…as a Winnipeg fan, I’m thrilled…especially since the Jets are going home for Game 5 in front of their White Out, White Noise…adrenaline-boosting faithful at Bell-M-T-S Centre. One problem, I’m old enough to remember Winnipeg having 3-1 opening-round series leads in 1990 against Edmonton and 1992 against Vancouver…only to lose both series in Game 7!
Last headline…Jays sweep to continue great April. My reaction…an 11-5 start to the season is great, especially after dropping the first two games to the Yankees. Only Boston, the L-A Angels, the Mets and Arizona have better early-season winning percentages than Toronto does. Here comes the BUT…the Blue Jays have only played one game against a team with a better than .500 record so far…that being the victory last Friday over Cleveland. Going into this afternoon’s contest with Kansas City, Toronto’s opponents so far have a combined record of 36 wins and 60 losses…or a .375 winning percentage. Let’s not get too excited until the Jays start playing some of the good teams!
That’s my Parting Shot, I’m Les Lazaruk...