Dave Hyde: Panthers in Game 7 in Boston, Heat in Game 1 in New York — buckle up for a Sunday like no other

 

SUNRISE — Forget that “Sunday Fun-day” fantasy. This is the real thing, the kind of double-decked drama that puts a pep in your step and pit in your stomach all Sunday.

The Miami Heat play Game 1 in New York at 1 p.m.

The Florida Panthers play Game 7 in Boston at 6:30 p.m.

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If the undermanned Heat just pulled off the greatest upset in NBA playoff history against heavyweight Milwaukee — and they did — the Panthers are one game from doing the same in the NHL. It’s “Miracle on Ice” stuff without the Olympics or the Disney movie.

Think of it: The biggest regular-season point spread in an NHL playoff upset is the 29 points between eighth-seeded Edmonton in beating top seed Detroit in 2006. Boston had 43 more regular-season points than the Panthers. It set an NHL record for regular-season wins and points. The Panthers, just huffed and puffed just to make the playoffs. Same as the Heat did.

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“We’ll get to Game 7, and I want to enjoy it,” [Panthers head coach Paul] Maurice said. “I want to enjoy the hell out of it. It’s the most fun you have in the game with the pressure on like that. You’ve got to enjoy it.”

Sounds like Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, doesn’t he?

What a Sunday this will be. What a sports surprise. Separated by six-and-a-half hours and 231 miles, the Heat and Panthers will begin one dramatic series and end another. ...