by Andrew Andreychik and Jeff Ross

The NBA playoffs and NHL Playoffs each have eight teams left in the hunt for a championship. In the NBA, the favorites to reach the finals are the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers. But, according to Joe Eveland who said “the Phoenix Suns are my favorite to win the NBA Finals”, the Cavs will likely lose their second round matchup against the Boston Celtics. “Boston’s ‘Big Three’ are too much for Cleveland, and LeBron won’t be able to lead the Cavs to their first NBA title,” added Eveland.

On the Western Side of the NBA, the Lakers are looking to get back to the Finals and hopefully win it for the second straight year. Eveland also disagrees with this prediction. “Steve Nash will lead the Suns past the Lakers and will get his first NBA championship ring.” Only time will tell if Eveland’s Suns will reach the Finals and get that championship.

In the NHL playoffs, the San Jose Sharks, who are the number one seed in the Western Conference, have a 3-0 edge over the former western conference champs Detroit Red Wings. Usually the Sharks don’t perform as well in the post-season, but they are showing all doubters that they are capable of playing at a high level like they do in the regular season. The Philadelphia Flyers are hoping to keep their season going as they are in a 3-0 hole against the Boston Bruins.

Junior Anthony Renz commented on the dynamic play of Boston. “Boston is playing at a high caliber, and most teams won’t be able to keep up with their stellar postseason play.” If Boston does win, they will have to play the winner of the Pittsburgh/ Montreal series where the Penguins have a 2-1 edge over the Canadiens. Renz likes Boston’s chances if they do receive a matchup with the defending Stanley Cup champion Penguins. “The Bruins can shut down Pittsburgh’s superstars and if they get past the Pens, no one will be able to defeat them on their journey to a Stanley Cup championship.”