It’s the playoffs, but there are NHL and NBA ticket deals

For the sports fan, there is really nothing more exciting than the playoffs, and with the NBA finalizing its post-season teams this week, both the NBA and NHL playoffs will soon be in full swing. The 2008 postseason for both leagues is set to be an exciting one, with the Larry O'Brien Trophy and Stanley Cup up for grabs.

With the NHL Playoffs a little over a week old, the Pittsburgh Penguins and "Sid the Kid" Sidney Crosby have already advanced to the second round with a first round sweep and according to the Pittsburgh Tribune Review the team sold out its next two home playoff games in 10 minutes. Even without their second round match-up set, tickets are already selling for as high as $606 on TicketNetwork.com, with the lowest priced upper balcony available at $167. But deals are available for hockey fans in other cities for the NHL's second round.

The top seed in the Western Conference, the Detroit Red Wings, come from a city that has nicknamed itself "Hockeytown,” and already potential second round tickets are a bargain. Currently on TicketNetwork, you can find Upper Level seats at Joe Louis arena for only $57 a piece, a price sure to go up as the teams advance. Other NHL Playoff deals that can be found right now include a Game 6 first round match-up between the Colorado Avalanche and Minnesota Wild at the Pepsi Center in Denver for as low as $45, as well as tickets at $70 to see the Washington Capitals square-off with the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 5.

Like the NHL, the NBA playoffs are set to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. The resurgence of major market teams like the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers have led to playoff tickets being a hot commodity. But also like the NHL, a quick look around the league can find great tickets for up tempo NBA action.

Detroit Pistons fans can come out and see Rasheed Wallace, Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton battle the 76ers for only $8 a piece, a price that is actually below the face value. Other contenders like the New Orleans Hornets (as low as $26) and Cleveland Cavaliers (only $11) have affordable prices as well on the secondary market.

As the teams advance, tickets prices will inevitably rise. But deals can be found everyday to see some of the most electrifying action in professional sports.