It’s my Parting Shot for some Weekend Short Shots…..

As much as I’m a guy from Winnipeg who has always had an aversion to anything out of Edmonton, when it comes to sports at least, I’ve taken notice that the Oilers were the last N-H-L team to lose a game in regulation time when they dropped a 4-2 setback last night at home to Utah. So far, it seems as though Mike Babcock (pictured) is winning over Edmonton fans because he has won over the players, who are performing well for him and winning games! After all, when it comes to the population, in general, entertainment is spelled W-I-N! I’m not surprised at Babcock’s and the Oilers’ success so far. I’m hopeful of having a visit with him when the Blades are in Edmonton next week and the Oil are at home!!

Another one of the good guys among N-H-L head coaches, with whom I crossed paths with in the W-H-L, is current Toronto bench boss Jim Hiller. I don’t envy him today as Hiller’s benching of first overall draft pick Gavin McKenna in last night’s Maple Leafs’ overtime loss is being criticized by Leafs’ fans and, especially, the controversy-loving Toronto media! All the best with this, Jim!!

You’ve heard me in the past be very upset with Sam Darnold finding his college potential as a quarterback and leading the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl championship last year after flaming out in the playoffs in 2024 with my Minnesota Vikings. So, excuse me for enjoying the fact that Darnold is playing more like his 2024 post-season Vikes’ self than the last year version through the first six games this season. Yes, he’s missed some action due to injury, but he has thrown multiple interceptions in three starts this year as Seattle is a mediocre 3-and-3 to start 2026, including an underwhelming effort in last night’s 17-14 overtime loss to Denver.

Here’s three digits for you – one, two and four. Arrange them in the order of four-one-two and say the words, million dollars, after them and you have the payroll for the two-time defending World Series-champion L-A Dodgers. Now, rearrange the three digits to say one-four-two and add million dollars and you have the total payroll for the Milwaukee Brewers. I think baseball fans, outside of Los Angeles, are thrilled today with Milwaukee completing a sweep of the Dodgers in the National League Championship Series! At least I am!!

That’s my Parting Shot. I’m Les Lazaruk…and it turned out nice again!