That’s the Thursday night conundrum, isn’t it?

At least for those who recognize that NHL hockey playoffs are the most compelling in sports.

For those of us legitimately torn, we gotta figure out what to do? Picture in Picture? Set up two TVs side by side and run a cable cord in from the other room? Watch one until there’s a timeout then switch? Then switchback? And switchback?

You get the picture(s).

Tonight I’ve found myself concentrating on the Stanley Cup. Which I’ll do when there’s a conflict. Main reason is I have a rooting interest. Having been born in Detroit, there’s a visceral connection to the Red Wings. No such emotional attachment exists for Orlando or LA LA. Even though I am rooting for the Magic.

Okay I’m also rooting for Jack Nicholson, wondering if that ingenue sitting next to him courtside is his new squeeze — Could it possibly be? — or his neighbor’s granddaughter?

It’s a pivotal Game Four of the Stanley Cup Finals and the Penguins are looking more and more like champs. I feared it would be so, given their performance against the Caps earlier in the playoffs.

Pittsburgh leads 4-2 after two. If they hold on, and they appear in tight control of a really speedy game, the series will be knotted. And Mr. Mo has settled on the Pens’ bench.

So I’ve flipped over to the NBA. The Lakers appear in total control. They’re up 8 at the moment with a couple to play in the first half. Jameer Nelson is indeed on the hardwood. I haven’t watched enough yet to see if he’s at full speed, or, if not, at what % thereof.

Because I’ve been sitting at my computer all day working, I don’t intend to blog the rest of the evening.

So here are my predictions.

Pucks: Pittsburgh is going to win this game. And they’re going to win the series. The Penguins are certainly faster. They also are hungrier. And, unlike last season, they are playing with maturity and savvy, which I think will trump the Red Wings’ maturity. In Malkin and Crosby, they have two of, say, the best five players in the game. Both are ready. So seem the rest of the Penguins.

Hoops: The Lakers are going to win this game. And Game Two. And they’ll win 2 of 3 during the middle leg in Orlando. Kobe Bryant is too good, too focused to stop when it matters. Orlando will win one, two at the very most.

– Seedy K