What's good, Plymouth State!

Ok, I would first like to start by introducing myself. My name is Christopher Burbank and I will be taking over as Sports Editor for The Clock in the fall for my buddy, Eric Brill.  When I was first asked if I was interested in the position, I wasn't sure if I was ready for it. But, after a few encouraging comments and the ridiculous amount of fun I had covering the men's hockey team this past winter, I decided to accept. Although the task of trying to fill the shoes of E$ is going to be tough, I promise I'll try my best to continue the high level of excellence people have come to expect of the sports section with Eric at the helm.

Now, let's get to the fun part:

NBA Playoffs(The games that have already been played notwithstanding):

Western Conference

Spurs vs. Jazz

After showing that they were the best time in the West with a 50-19 in the shorten NBA season, look for San Antonio to finish off the 8th seeded Utah Jazz in 4 games.

Grizzlies vs. Clippers

Maybe it's because I think Blake Griffin is hilarious, but after watching the Clippers rallying back after being 27 points down at the start of 2nd half, I say this team is legit. I'm looking for this series to go to 7 games with the Clippers coming out on top.

Lakers vs. Nuggets

Not going to bother. Lakers in 5

Thunder vs. Mavericks

The smart money would say that I should go with the defending champ's, but I think this shorten season favors the much younger time out of Oklahoma. But, you can't count out the experience of Dirk and the Mav's. I say this series goes to 7, but with Kevin Durant and the Thunder coming out on top.

Eastern Conference

Bulls vs. 76ers

The best team coming out of the East posting a 50-19 record, they are facing a uphill battle with Derrick Rose tearing his ACL in the last game. But, the bench for Chicago is way to good to be discounted. I'm saying that Chicago take this in 6.

Celtics vs. Hawks

I'll be the first to admit that I don't feel terribly confident about the Celtics chances this year. Facing a much younger team, I see this series being an absolute battle (especially with Rondo out for a game). Look for this series to go to 7 and the Celtics to squeak out the W.

Pacers vs. Magic

Facing something resembling what my mother use to watch in the afternoons (That's a soap opera reference. Aren't I funny?*), I just really can't see the Magic pulling it together to overcome a very good Pacers team. Pacers in 5

Heat vs. New York

Again, not going to bother. Heat in 5

My pick for the NBA Finals: Thunder vs. Miami Heat

2012 NBA Champion: Thunder

NHL Stanley Cup Finals

Western Conference

Kings vs. Blues

If you had told me at the start of this season that the LA Kings would knock out the Vancouver Canucks and be on their way to knocking out the St. Louis Blues, I would have nodded and called you crazy. But, here I sit on and it's on the way to becoming reality.  Anchored at net with the impressive and underrated Jonathan Quick, and the consistent play of Anze Kopitar, I can actually see the Kings pulling off the upset. The Kings in 6.

Coyotes vs. Predator

Already facing a 0-2 hole, and the suspension of both Alex Radulov and Andrei Kostitsyn, I can see this series slipping away from Nashville. I'm saying Phoenix in 5.

Eastern Conference

Rangers vs. Capitols

I just want to say that as a life long Boston Bruins fan I had a hard time deciding what time I actually wanted to win here as a I dislike both equally.  But, in the effort of fairness I will say the Rangers in 6.

Flyers vs. Devils

As much as this pains me, I will have to give the edge to the Flyers here (Bruins fan, remember?).  Look for the Flyers to take this series in 5.

My Stanley Cup Final Picks: Kings vs. Rangers

Stanley Cup Champion: NY Rangers

That's it for me this week, folks. I hope you enjoyed my article and I'll see-ya next time.