It's Go Time For Joey Crawford

Despite David Stern's best efforts, the Mavs and Heat series is tied two to two after four games. For marketing purposes, Stern needs two Miami victories in three games for the Dwyane Wade / Lebron James 'Dynasty' to begin.

It's time for Stern to go to his best company man, Joey Crawford. Shots Heard is predicting Joey Crawford appearances in the most pivotal games, Game 5 and Game 7. Book it.

And if for some reason we are wrong and Stern does not want to appear so blatant in using Crawford in WWE Basketball Finals games 5 and 7 two years in a row, then still expect to see Crawford in Game 6 or 7 in Miami. 

If the Mavs are up 3-2, Stern will use Crawford to stem the tide and at least get the series to a Game 7. If the Heat are up 3-2, Stern will save Crawford in the event that a Game 7 is necessary. The latter is optimal for Stern. He loves Game 7 money and having his best man on the floor when the series and financial vitality of the NBA are in the balance.

Top five 2009 NHL Playoffs story lines so far

1. New Jersey Devils blow Game 7 at home.

With a minute and 22 seconds left in Game 7 of their first round series, the New Jersey Devils led the Carolina Panthers 3-2 at home. But then every sports fans worst nightmare of choking away a Game 7 occured.

Martin Brodeur, possibly the greatest goalie in hockey history gave up two goals and the Panthers went on to win the series.



2. Ovechkin vs. Crosby.

Various sports marketers are desperate to turn the Alexander Ovechkin vs. Sidney Crosby rivalry into hockey's version of Magic vs. Bird. Finally the two met in a second round playoff match-up that went seven games, with Crosby coming up on top.

The seven game series was a nice way to officially begin hockey's most riveting rivalry. But the Penguins vs. Capitals still pales to Celtics vs. Lakers.

3. The 24-7 Daddies take a quick exit.

Last year, the Montreal Canadiens continued their run as the most dominating team of a Boston franchise, even surpassing the New York Yankees dominance of the Boston Red Sox. This year the Bruins took a measure of revenge, by sweeping the Canadiens in the first round of the playoffs. The series win puts the series victories tally at 24 and eight for the Bruins. Thus Bruins fans can no longer call the Canadiens their '24-7 Party Daddies.' But they do know who their daddies are.

4. Charles Barkley calls Alexander Ovechkin the best athlete in sports (click here).

5. Game Sevens qued up for the last three Stanley Cup Winners.

The defending champion Detroit Red Wings will host the Anaheim Ducks in Game 7 of the 2009 Western Conference Semifinals. The Ducks won the Stanley Cup in 2007.

Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers, who won the Stanley Cup in 2006, hope to become the Boston Bruins surrogate daddies and beat them in a game 7 at Boston after they were unable to close out the Bruins at home. Could we see a repeat of another late minute game 7 comeback from the Panthers?

Picture: Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals