More spice than an episode of “Hot Ones”

The GIST: The conference finals are delivering more spice than Ed Sheeran’s episode of “Hot Ones,” with high-scoring outbursts and home court upsets lighting up both the Eastern and Western Conference Final. Pass the milk and let’s dive in.

No. 1 Boston Celtics take 2-0 series lead: Bolstered by Jaylen Brown’s 40 points, the Cs shook off their Game 1 struggles and took care of business at the TD Garden last night, winning 126–110 and holding off a stupendous 28-point effort from the No. 6 Indiana Pacers Pascal Siakam.

• The series now shifts to Indy for tomorrow’s 8:30 p.m. ET Game 3, but the Pacers may be in trouble after All-Star Tyrese Haliburton exited Game 2 with left hamstring soreness and did not return. Ruh roh.

Luka Dončić leads the Dallas Mavericks’ comeback: Despite first half heroics from Kyrie Irving, the No. 5 Mavs were trailing the No. 3 Minnesota Timberwolves in Wednesday’s Game 1. That is, until injury-riddled Dončić found his stride, eventually scoring 33 points — including 15 in the fourth quarter — in the 108–105 W. So clutch.

• Now, the pressure’s on Minnesota youngster Anthony Edwards to play stronger defense, especially against Irving, and defend home court in Game 2 tonight at 8:30 p.m. ET.

The GIST: It’s been all about the road teams after two nights of Conference Final play, with both home teams stunned on their own ice. How will they respond in Game 2? Only one way to find out.

Connor McDavid lifts Edmonton Oilers to double overtime (OT) Game 1 win over Dallas Stars: After squandering their two-goal lead in regulation, McDavid saved the day, giving Edmonton a massive 3–2 OT road win in this wild wild west series.

• Dallas was definitely missing veteran forward Roope Hintz (who missed his third straight game due to injury), but he could be back in the lineup when the puck drops for Game 2 tomorrow at 8 p.m. ET.

Florida Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (24 saves) shuts out the NY Rangers: Bobrovsky’s first shutout of the postseason couldn’t have come at a better time, as he led the Cats to an impressive 3–0 Game 1 road win over the typically high-scoring Rangers on Wednesday. Ice in his veins.

• After opening the playoffs with seven straight wins, the Presidents’ Trophy winning–Rangers have now lost three of their last four and will need to shake off whispers of the infamous curse if they plan to even the series at home in Game 2 tonight at 8 p.m. ET.

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The GIST: With No. 3 Boston and No. 4 Minnesota knotted at one game apiece, the best-of-five PWHL championship series is shifting to the State of Hockey for Game 3 tonight at 7 p.m. ET and Game 4 Sunday at 6 p.m. ET.

• The inaugural champ could be crowned before the weekend is up, so here are the storylines to watch as both teams try to gain an edge.

The goalie battle: Boston’s goaltender of the year finalist Aerin Frankel has come back down to earth after a lights out semis, but is still a major difference maker, especially while backstopping a squad that doesn’t score in bunches.

• On the flip side, Minnesota has a goalie tandem choice to make — stick with Nicole Hensley, who shutout Boston in Game 2, or go back to Maddie Rooney, who had two shutouts in the semis. What a problem to have.

The power play: Boston’s failed to generate any power play success, going 0-for-12 in the playoffs, including a frustrating 0-for-4 in Game 2. Minny, meanwhile, has been impressive on the kill all season long and has yet to give up a power play goal in the postseason.

• Boston has plenty of clutch talent (hi, U.S. national team stalwart Hilary Knight), but only time will tell if they can light the lamp with the Walter Cup on the line.

🎓🥍 NCAA women’s lacrosse: National tournament semifinals — Today at 3 and 5:30 p.m. ET — ESPNU

• First up, it’s David vs. Goliath. Defending champs No. 1 Northwestern will make their fourth straight Final Four appearance, taking on a Florida team that’s knocked off two top-five squads en route to just their second program championship weekend.

• Then comes the rematch, with ACC foes No. 2 Boston College and No. 3 Syracuse battling in a repeat of last year’s semi, which BC won 8–7. Winners will meet in Sunday’s 12 p.m. ET championship game.

🎓🥎 NCAA softball: Super Regionals — Today through Sunday — ESPN Networks

• The road to the Women’s College World Series continues with eight best-of-three series battles. And by the next time we talk, the eight-team field that’ll compete in Oklahoma City will be booked. No time to waste.

🏀 WNBA: Indiana Fever vs. LA Sparks — Tonight at 10 p.m. ET — Fubo

• The Friday night lights will be shining bright as three of the top four 2024 draft picks square off in a Hollywood hoops fest. Caitlin Clark’s Fever are still searching for their first win of the season, while LA’s rookie tandem of Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson will be out to steal the spotlight.

• And if you want more W in your weekend, Clark will go up against her Iowa bestie Kate Martin and the defending champ Las Vegas Aces tomorrow at 9 p.m. ET.

🏎️ F1: Monaco Grand Prix — Sunday at 9 a.m. ET — ABC

• The glitziest Grand Prix on the schedule features Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc flying through the iconic street Circuit de Monaco in hopes of a maiden win in his home race.

Our very first IRL podcast, recorded in front of a live Toronto audience, is available free to stream on The GIST of It, thanks to our friends at Destination Toronto. You'll hear The GIST’s co-founder Ellen Hyslop and MLB reporting legend Hazel Mae dish on all things women’s sports, the business of sports, and of course, baseball.

• Why tape in Toronto? Because that’s where the idea for The GIST was born. Toronto is a bucket list destination for any sports fan and, with a thriving business community, is the perfect spot to host your company’s next big event or quarterly offsite.

So tune in to hear El share The GIST’s origin story, one made possible by Toronto’s global mindset, supportive startup community, and vibrant pro sports scene. A swing for the fences success.