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Eastern Conference

(Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)

Pacers & Heat Rivalry Just Getting Started

The Indiana Pacers pushed the Miami Heat to the brink only to come up short in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals. But their play made a major announcement to the country and the NBA that the Pacers are here to stay.

2013/06/04

(credit: Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)

Pacers Focus On LeBron At Own Risk

The Miami Heat are going to have quite a challenge in front of them from the opening tip of Game 4 in the Eastern Conference Finals. Miami must find a way to once again play a near perfect half against the defensive-minded Indiana Pacers.

2013/05/28

John Tortorella (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Silverman: Tortorella Must Go — Rangers Need New Philosophy And New Leader

Sather and the Rangers need a new philosophy and a new leader. Tortorella’s hard-edged discipline serves a purpose, but it’s not going to bring the Rangers a championship.

2013/05/28

Colin McDonald #13 and Matt Martin #17 of the New York Islanders (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Silverman: Islanders Have Fate In Their Own Hands As Series Resumes In Pittsburgh

The New York Islanders have put the fear of God in the Pittsburgh Penguins. They can change that fear into a full-fledged panic if they can beat the Penguins in Game 5 on Thursday night and take a 3-2 lead in the series.

2013/05/09

P.J. Carlesimo (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)

Former Nets Head Coach P.J. Carlesimo On Firing: ‘I’m Tremendously Disappointed’

“It’s the way it is,” Carlesimo told Mike Francesa. “I’m disappointed. I’m not a little disappointed, I’m tremendously disappointed, just because I feel strongly about what a great situation this was.”

2013/05/06

John Tortorella of the New York Rangers coaches against the Pittsburgh Penguins. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Silverman: Underdog Rangers Will Have Short Postseason Stay

The Rangers may be able to push the Caps, but this is Washington’s series to win. The Rangers may get two games, but it’s Oates, Ovechkin and the Capitals who will go on to the second round.

2013/05/02

Derek Stepan (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

After Breakout Season, Rising Star Derek Stepan Has Eyes On Stanley Cup Playoffs

After quickly dismissing a question regarding the health and status of key defenseman Marc Staal, by saying there was no update regarding his eye injury, Tortorella became engaged when asked about rising star Derek Stepan.

2013/05/01

Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals shoots the puck through Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist's legs on March 24, 2013. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

Hartnett: Fearless Predictions For The 2013 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

Who’s ready to lift the Stanley Cup? Sean Hartnett gives you a full breakdown of the 2013 NHL Playoffs.

2013/04/30

Sidney Crosby (Photo by Vincent Pugliese/ Getty Images)

Sidney Crosby’s Status Remains Uncertain For Opener Of Isles-Penguins Series

Penguins star Sidney Crosby practiced Monday but his status remains uncertain for Wednesday’s playoff opener against the New York Islanders.

2013/04/29

Johan Hedberg (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Schwei: Devils Notes And Observations Following A Disappointing Season

The New Jersey Devils packed up on Monday morning after finishing out a disappointing 2012-13 season that left them out of the playoffs for the second time in three years.

2013/04/29

Ryan Callahan (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Hartnett: Captain Clutch Delivers — Ryan Callahan Catapults Rangers Into Playoffs

Callahan always seems to be the man who thrives in moments when the pressure is cranked to the highest. It’s not a coincidence if you perform under pressure time and time again.

2013/04/26

Nets GM Billy King (credit: Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

Lichtenstein: Extend King? Now? Let’s Get Real, Nets Still Have Series To Win

Give me $330 million to spend on contracts and I can piece together a pretty good team, too. And why knight King before the Bulls are slain?

2013/04/26

The New York Islanders celebrate a power-play goal by Mark Streit #2 (3rd from left). (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Silverman: Islanders Have Opportunity To Make Name For Themselves Again

No, this team will not bring back the echoes of the great Islanders dynasty of 30-plus years ago. They are not going to win the Stanley Cup this year. But this team is young, hungry and improving. They have become the team that nobody wants to play.

2013/04/25

Amar'e Stoudemire (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

Knicks’ Amar’e Stoudemire Could Return To Court In 2nd Round Of Playoffs

“If he’s able to make it back, he will be back in the rotation, ready to play,” Woodson said. “I’m expecting him to do what he was doing before he left. He played some pretty good, positive minutes for our ballclub before he got hurt.”

2013/04/24