The GIST: Keeping track of all the playoff action in the NHL and NBA is a full-time job. Good thing your sporty bestie is here to help manage the plethora of playoff games. Let’s do this.
🏒 On the ice:
🌀 The Carolina Hurricanes (up 3-0) are on the cusp of a second straight sweep after topping the shorthanded Philadelphia Flyers 4-1 in last night’s Game 3. This storm is surging ahead of tomorrow’s 6 p.m. ET series-clinching Game 4.
🦬 The NHL’s youth movement is alive and well heading into tonight’s 7 p.m. ET Game 2 between the Buffalo Sabres (up 1-0) and the Montreal Canadiens as the postseason’s two youngest teams clash after a high-scoring Game 1. These kids are alright.
🦆 Consider the script flipped: The Anaheim Ducks (tied 1-1) — one of the NHL’s worst defensive teams — limited the Vegas Golden Knights to just 12 high-danger chances in Wednesday’s Game 2 win. Expect them to rinse and repeat tonight at 9:30 p.m. ET.
❄️ Can anyone slow down the Colorado Avalanche (up 2-0)? So far it’s been a resounding no: The Avs have scored 14 goals through two games vs. the Minnesota Wild with Game 3 slated for tomorrow at 9 p.m. ET.
🏀 On the court:
❤️ The Detroit Pistons’ (up 2-0) suffocating defense was the stuff of nightmares in last night’s 107–97 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavs will need more than 10 points from superstar James Harden to snag a win in tomorrow’s 3 p.m. ET Game 3.
⚡ The defending champ Oklahoma City Thunder (up 2-0) earned their sixth straight playoff win with last night’s 125–107 W over the LA Lakers — and a certain Lakeshow reinforcement isn’t expected back any time soon as tomorrow’s 8:30 p.m. ET Game 3 looms.
💙 Expect tonight’s 7 p.m. ET Game 3 between the NY Knicks (up 2-0) and Philadelphia 76ers to be a battle, especially after Wednesday’s Game 2 saw 25 lead changes, the most in a playoff game in more than a decade.
🐴 The San Antonio Spurs (tied 1-1) forced 22 turnovers in Wednesday’s dominant 133–95 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, who can’t afford any more sloppiness in tonight’s 9:30 p.m. ET Game 3.