He’s right, y’know. Technically, if you hold a map just so, and fold it just the right way, everything IS left of Albuquerque. However, when actually on the road this method of navigation proves to be less than effective. Also, hitting someone in the head with an anvil isn’t funny. It’s messy.

So I mentioned the other day that Spring was upon us, and the flowers and miniskirts were bringing us all back to a happier place after the doldrums of winter. The birth of a new Spring means something much more important for us Canadians though. It’s the start of the annual tournament to decide who will earn the right to hoist Lord Stanley’s Mug. That’s right; it’s the start of the NHL Playoffs.

The playoffs are way more fun than the regular season, which I follow with something of a passing interest. I’ve long maintained that the hockey regular season is just too damn long to get excited about, but once the 16 teams are set for the 4-round playoff, I’m in. Now is the time when the games start to matter, the drama and intensity that make the game great are present in abundance, and the best of the best moustaches and beards are on full display.

Of course, being a Toronto Maple Leafs fan, there hasn’t been much to cheer about the last couple years come playoff time. Most of us in Leafs nation are almost relieved that the season ends early for us, lest we have to sit through more embarrassment. So when playoff time comes, Leaf fans are forced to adopt a new team to cheer on to glory.

For me, the surrogate team in question is the Calgary Flames. They have a great team, fast, hard-hitting, and hard-working. Their Captain, Jerome Iginla is one of the best players in the game, and since the retirement of Sexy Steve Yzerman, probably the classiest guy on skates. It was tough to see them drop last night’s game in overtime, but they’ve got the gumption to come back.

In other sports news, the Patriots 2009 schedule was released this week. We’re the first Monday nighter this year! I know it’s barely Spring, but fall’s shaping up to be all right!!!