The best two weeks in sports each year is here!

It’s down to the final 2 teams both in the NHL and NBA. After three rounds of gruelling battles, the teams have earned the right to play for the championship. It’s what they’ve worked so hard for all season and now it’s only 4 wins away. I can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.

NHL

I’ve picked against the Pittsburgh Penguins every round and each time they’ve prevailed. Logic dictates that I should pick the Penguins to win now, but instead I’m going to try my luck one last time and go with the Sharks. I’m a believer in Joe Pavelski, Brent Burns and Logan Couture who have all been fantastic so far in the playoffs. As long as Martin Jones can stay composed and play up to his ability, they have a good chance to pull it off. It’s also hard not be a bit sentimental about the possibility of seeing Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau finally get their hands on the Stanley Cup after so many years.

Prediction: Sharks in 6, Conn Smythe Winner: Joe Pavelski

NBA

“Cavaliers vs. Warriors Part II: No Excuses This Time” should be the title of the NBA Finals if it were a movie. This should be an epic rematch of last year’s finals when the Warriors won in 6 games. The Cavs will be the first to remind us that they didn’t have Kevin Love or Kyrie Irving last year and now that they’re fully healthy will be the ones to bring home the championship. The Warriors did the unthinkable and won a NBA record 73 games during the regular season and are looking to prove to the doubters who say that their title last year was fraudulent that they’re wrong. I think this series will come down to the role players because I fully expect the stars on each team to deliver the goods. I think the Warriors have just a bit more depth and ability off the bench to give them the advantage. Having home court and that raucous Oracle crowd will also help the Warriors win back to back NBA championships.

Prediction: Warriors in 7, NBA Finals MVP: Stephen Curry