Ironically, this scenario has unfolded in the NHL: the two best players in hockey, Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby, have gone home. Each of their teams has been eliminated by the no.8 seed, the Montreal Canadiens, who sneaked into the playoffs in the last week of the regular season. Yet no one's crying foul. In fact, they're celebrating. Not the demise of superstars, but the effort put forth by a proud Canadian franchise, a team no one expected to make it this far.

The NHL had a bit more excitement in its conference semi-finals. Both the Canadiens and the Philadelphia Flyers advanced after stunning Game Seven wins away from home. The NBA, on the other hand, saw three of its teams - Phoenix, Orlando and the Lakers - win in four-game sweeps; not necessarily good for momentum, certainly not good for ratings. Only the Celtics/Cavaliers series, the LeBron soap opera, was dramatic, and most of that had to do with the impending free agency decision of "The Chosen One."

Here's how the Conference Finals shape up in both leagues:

NBA Western Conference Final

(1) Los Angeles Lakers v (3) Phoenix Suns

After a tougher-than-expected opening round series against Oklahoma City, the Lakers made short work of the Utah Jazz. The Suns meanwhile, ousted the Portland Trailblazers and their old nemesis the San Antonio Spurs, to set up an intriguing series with LA. The Lakers will want to run a patient halfcourt game, utilising the size of Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, and letting Bryant, the NBA's best player, do his thing. The Suns, on the contrary, want to get up and down the court, with Steve Nash, Amare'e Stoudemire and Jason Richardson running and gunning. The benches could be crucial. Phoenix has gotten superb play from its subs, while LA's bench has been hot and cold.

My pick: Lakers in 6.

NBA Eastern Conference Final

(2) Orlando Magic v (4) Boston Celtics

While everyone's been focussed on what's happening with LeBron, the Orlando Magic and the Boston Celtics have gone about their business. The Magic swept the outmanned Charlotte Bobcats, then did the same to the disinterested, pathetic Atlanta Hawks. Although Dwight Howard and Vince Carter are the only guys you'd call household names, Jameer Nelson is superb point guard and Rashard Lewis can flat-out shoot the basketball. They'll be matched up with an ageing Celtics squad that most people figured were done and dusted after a late-season drop-off. But young gun Rajon Rondo has been unbelievable at point guard, and old timers Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen have the guile and ability to rise up at crunch time. The key for the Celtics could be the play of erratic bench guys Tony Allen and Rasheed Wallace.

My pick: Magic in 7

NHL Eastern Conference Final

(7) Philadelphia Flyers v (8) Montreal Canadiens

This is why I love playoff hockey: the Eastern Conference final comes down to a #7 seed against a #8 seed. The Canadiens have been magnificent, dumping the Caps and Penguins in back-to-back series. The "hot goalie" theory is truly alive and well, with Jaroslav Halak brilliant between the pipes. Off-season pickup Michael Cammalleri has also been superb. The Flyers, who were down 3-1 to Boston, have come up with big goals when they needed them. Their off-season acquisition, defenseman Chris Pronger has been inspirational, while Mike Richards and Danny Briere are both big-time players.

My pick: Flyers in 6

NHL Western Conference Final

(1) San Jose Sharks v (2) Chicago Blackhawks

Unlike the East, the West has gone to form. San Jose has been one of the NHL's best teams over the past four years, but hasn't been able to translate that to post-season success. Evgeni Nabokov has been solid in goal, while the "Big Three" of Dany Heatley, Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton can provide the necessary scoring punch. The Blackhawks, a sexy pick by many experts early on, had a tough battle with Vancouver, but showed their grit and determination in winning that series. Unproven Antti Niemi isn't as consistent as Nabokov in goal, but he's been effective. On offence, Chicago's scoring has been spread across the entire team, but Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Marian Hossa can all score in bunches.

My pick: Blackhawks in 6