We’re getting closer to crowning champions in pro hockey and basketball, while college softball is showcasing the best of its sport. Here’s what I’ll be watching (all times are Eastern):
Who will hoist the Stanley Cup? The Florida Panthers took down the Boston Bruins, who set the N.H.L. record for wins in the regular season, on their way to the finals. The Vegas Golden Knights are back in the finals for the second time in their six-season history. The teams start their battle on Saturday in Las Vegas (8 p.m., TNT).
The Denver Nuggets got a long layoff after sweeping the Los Angeles Lakers; the Miami Heat got a much shorter rest after building a 3-0 series lead over the Celtics but then letting Boston force a Game 7. But no matter now: The N.B.A. finals get going in Denver with plenty of star power and interesting story lines. (Game 1, Thursday, 8:30 p.m., ABC; Game 2, Sunday, 8 p.m., ABC).
The Women’s College World Series is taking over Oklahoma City this week, with the familiar softball forces Oklahoma and Oklahoma State feeling right at home. They’re joined by Alabama, Florida State, Stanford, Tennessee, Utah and Washington. The winners from the four opening games on Thursday will meet in two Saturday games (3 p.m., ABC; 7 p.m., ESPN).
Soccer rivals in the Pacific Northwest…
