NHL, NBA go head-to-head on SI's newest cover

This week's cover calls back to similar shot from 1994. (Robert Beck/SI [NHL]; Greg Nelson/SI [NBA])

Sports Illustrated 

classic from 20 years ago

With the Los Angeles Kings and New York Rangers heading to overtime in two of three Stanley Cup Final games, Michael Farber writes about the league enjoying record popularity this season.

Phil Taylor makes the case for the NBA being the hottest across all metrics, with big ratings, celebrity sightings, and no air conditioning in Game 1 of San Antonio Spurs and Miami Heat's second Finals meeting.

SI GALLERY: The best photos from Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final

The original cover featured Mike Richter and Pavel Bure going head to head on top, while Hall of Fame centers Hakeem Olajuwon and Patrick Ewing battled in the post below.

The 2014 version features a different New York Rangers goalie in Henrik Lundqvist, and two other surefire Hall of Famers in LeBron James and Tim Duncan.

GOLLIVER: Kawhi Leonard, Spurs light up Heat in Game 3 of NBA Finals