If the Gasman were in the NBA’s Eastern Conference, his 3-3 record last weekend and 8-8 overall would’ve made the playoffs. Too bad he isn’t, though. So, with another full plate in store for this weekend, here’s the skinny:
Friday
NHL: Stars at Sharks — Dallas has been the most surprising team these playoffs and the Stars are getting solid play from all areas. Marty Turco has been brilliant this series, becoming impenetrable while stopping one of the league’s most talented teams. Even veterans like Sergei Zubov, who missed three months with foot and groin injuries, and Mike Modano, who welcomed a new role after being taken off of the first line, have contributed. But San Jose’s 2-1 win in Game 4 leads to believe that the Sharks are swimming and they have the home-ice advantage. The pick: Sharks 4-2.
NBA: Celtics at Hawks — Wouldn’t it be the greatest story to watch Boston, honored with the best regular-season record in the league, fall in the first round? Think about how much money the Celtics would’ve wasted and the championship aspirations down the drain. Too bad that the notion is only wishful thinking because the Guinness will be flowing after Boston closes this series. The pick: Boston is too much, 98-86.
Saturday
NHL: Flyers at Canadians — Where did the Flyers come from? Seemingly struggling to make the playoffs, Philly hasn’t encountered a problem with the Eastern Conference’s top-seed all series. Well, maybe except the 4-3 overtime loss in Game 1. But that loss has fueled the Flyers to three-straight wins and inching closer to the conference finals, continuing perhaps the league’s most remarkable story. For those that remember, Philly was the worst team in the NHL last season. The pick: Flyers 3-1.
NASCAR: Richmond International Speedway — Denny Hamlin returns to his home state as one of the hottest drivers on the circuit. Hamlin, who took third and possibly could’ve won at Talladega if it weren’t for a final-lap caution, already won the first Virginia race at Martinsville this year. Growing up 15 minutes away from Richmond (a .75-mile speedway) makes winning at this track more meaningful. He sat on the pole in 2006, and he’s come close to Victory Lane with three top 10s in four tries. Saturday night, Hamlin will be celebrating with family. The pick: Hamlin (who else?).
Sunday
MLB: Mariners at Yankees — This one is simple. The Gasman is looking to pad his own stats and is going against the Yankees. Everyone is pounding them to Westchester and the injuries keep piling up. No A-Rod. No Posada. And the depleted pitching staff leaves New York in an unfamiliar place. The pick: The bleeding won’t stop here, Mariners 6-3.
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