i can't wait for the nba finals and stanley cup playoffs to start

I remember it clearly, the summer of 2002. Here's a recap:

May 18, 2002: Game 1: Avalanche-Red Wings; Game 1: Lakers-Kings
May 20, 2002: Game 2: Avalanche-Red Wings (OT); Game 2: Lakers-Kings
May 22, 2002: Game 3: Red Wings-Avalanche (OT)
May 24, 2002: Game 3: Kings-Lakers
May 25, 2002: Game 4: Red Wings-Avalanche
May 26, 2002: Game 4: Kings-Lakers
May 27, 2002: Game 5: Avalanche-Red Wings (OT)
May 28, 2002: Game 5: Lakers-Kings
May 29, 2002: Game 6: Red Wings-Avalanche
May 31, 2002: Game 6: Kings-Lakers; Game 7: Avalanche-Red Wings
June 2, 2002: Game 7: Lakers-Kings (OT)

That was incredible. And it forever cemented the idea in me, that the NHL Playoffs and NBA playoffs should be regarded as a dual force, with games ideally being played on alternating nights, creating one of the best times of the year for sports.

But it never really happened. The NHL had a lockout and now I can't even watch a playoff game, even if I wanted to.