It’s my Parting Shot for some Weekend Short Shots and another stab at N-F-L playoff picks from The Fearless Predictor…..

If you want to start a lively debate on sports, just ask for who the best team in the N-H-L is right now? The overall standings show Washington and Winnipeg tied in points with 65. The Capitals have played one fewer game than the Jets, thus have the best points percentage while Winnipeg has the most wins of any team with 31. But, are the Caps and Jets really the best. I know there would be an argument from the Edmonton precinct! The Oilers have been the hottest team of recent, mind you that statement is kind of like the claims that radio stations make when it comes to ratings…you can tailor them to show you in the best light, even though it may not necessarily be true! To be honest, I don’t miss the silly charade known as radio ratings, but I digress! Once again, the reigning Stanley Cup champions are the Florida Panthers – and they are the best team until someone eliminates them!!

I’ll give the C-F-L credit. While fans and media groused about the lack of a schedule, that always seemed to come out in November and Deecember, the league put some thought into the 2025 calendar. No teams will have to play on a four-day turnaround this season, with no more than two five-day weeks per franchise. Nobody will face an opponent coming off a bye more than three times either, plus there’s been a 44 percent increase in games kicking off at 4 o’clock local time or earlier, allowing more kids to be at the games. Well done, C-F-L!!

After going 50 per cent on predictions during the N-F-L’s wild-card weekend, The Fearless Predictor says – Kansas City slips by Houston by less than a touchdown tomorrow afternoon and Detroit bounces Washington by more than 10 points later in the evening. On Sunday, the L-A Rams will pull the weekend’s “Upset Special” by defeating Philadelphia by less than a field goal while Buffalo will overcome the odds and Baltimore by more than a touchdown! I still say it’ll be the Lions over the Bills next month in the Super Bowl!!

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