Have you seen the forecast for this weekend?
If not, here you go (sorry to ruin your day). Snow. April. Nebraska. Ugh.
Since it doesn't look like an ideal day to be outside doing yard work, it'll have to turn into a weekend long sports binge camped out on the couch (oh darn!).
Here's an idea of what to watch for over the next few days.
FRIDAY NIGHT
NHL - Pittsburgh vs. Philadelphia, 6 P.M. on NBCSN
There's no playoffs quite like the NHL playoffs, especially when you get two rival teams going at it in the first round. The Penguins feature Sidney Crosby, the best player on earth, who started things off with a hat trick in game 1.
NHL - Las Vegas vs. Los Angeles - 9 P.M. on NBCSN
No need to change the channel for the nightcap. Vegas was LIT for the first playoff game in franchise history on Wednesday night. Friday should be no different.
SATURDAY
Premier League - Chelsea vs. Southampton - 6:30 A.M. on NBCSN
Maybe just fall asleep on the couch with the TV still rolling on Friday night. Chelsea has to win to stay alive for the potential of European play next season. Southampton needs to win to avoid a relegation fight. I'll be up early to cheer on the Blues.
MLS - New York Red Bulls vs. Montreal Impact - 12:00 on ESPN+
I could really care less about the game, but you'll need something to bridge the gap until early afternoon. If nothing else, it's a chance to check out how ESPN+ operates, which just launched this week.
Premier League - Tottenham vs. Manchester City - 1:30 P.M. on NBCSN
Best match of the weekend, bar none. You may not be camped out here for long, but it's worth it to stop by. Tottenham has the best player in England (Harry Kane), and Man City is the best team.
NBA - Golden State vs. San Antonio - 2 P.M. on ABC
Can you believe we're actually seeing this matchup in the first round of the NBA playoffs? Golden State has been in full coast mode the last three weeks, and will be without Steph Curry in the first round. San Antonio will (presumably) be without star Kawhi Leonard as well. The Spurs can't win this series without Leonard, but if he magically decides to play, Golden State could be in trouble without Curry. It's at least a storyline worth watching.
NBA - Toronto vs. Washington - 4 P.M. on ESPN
Toronto won the East this year, yet are still underdogs to the Cavs in most people's eyes. Washington is wildly inconsistent, but has enough talent to make things tough on the Raptors. Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan need to be big for Toronto this postseason if they're going to make a run.
MLB - Royals vs. Angels - 6:15 P.M. on FS1
Sadly, it's unlikely Shohei Ohtani will play for LA (he's due to start on Sunday), but it's a tasty pitching matchup anyway: Garrett Richards vs. Jakob Junis. Count me in.
NBA - Portland vs. New Orleans - 9:30 P.M. on ESPN
It's a toss-up between hockey and hoops for the late night spot. Some people may not realize they still play basketball in Portland and New Orleans - but hey, Anthony Davis is good. So is Damian Lillard. There you go.
SUNDAY
College Bowling - NCAA Championship (replay) - 8 A.M. on ESPN-U
As of this writing, Nebraska was one of four teams still alive and in contention for the title, along with McKendree, Vanderbilt, and Sam Houston State. It'll be decided by Sunday, but in case you missed it, here's your chance.
NBA - Boston vs. Milwaukee - 12:00 on TNT
Boston, despite earning the #2 seed in the East, is injured and limping into the playoffs. Milwaukee is a team that hasn't enjoyed postseason success in forever. If there's going to be a first round upset in the NBA, this is it.
NASCAR - Monster Energy Cup Series @ Bristol - 1 P.M. on FOX
I've kind of given up on NASCAR with all the new rules and advanced tech they keep putting into the cars, but I'll make an exception this weekend. Short track racing is where it's at. You can screw with the aero package all you want, and it won't make one bit of difference on Sunday. As Cole Trickle was once told: "rubbin' is racin'!" That will hold especially true this weekend.
NBA - Cleveland vs. Indiana - 2:30 P.M. on ABC
It's LeBron in the playoffs. What's not to like?
NHL - Winnipeg vs. Minnesota - 6 P.M. on USA
The Jets have been one of the better teams all season in the Western Conference. They have an incredibly passionate fan base, but just haven't been very good since relocating from Atlanta. Fun to see them in the playoffs.
NBA - Houston vs. Minnesota - 8 P.M. on TNT
The T-Wolves broke the longest playoff drought in the NBA this year by sneaking in on the final day of the regular season. Houston surprised a lot of people by grabbing the top seed in the West away from Golden State. The Rockets should have no issues in the first round, but just seeing Minnesota in the postseason is something.
Happy watching! Hopefully it won't be interrupted by having to shovel the driveway.
