The Heat and Panthers are both in the conference finals despite qualifying for the playoffs as the respective eight-seed
The Florida Panthers departed for North Carolina on Wednesday, heading to Raleigh for the start of their Eastern Conference Final matchup with the Carolina Hurricanes.
It's been several days since Florida defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs in five games to advance to the NHL's semifinal round.
The Panthers have been enjoying the time off, spending the week practicing at FLA Live Arena while resting, recuperating and recharging for the challenge that lies ahead.
There is a good chance that when at their team hotel Wednesday night, players, coaches and staff may be tuned in to the NBA Playoffs before hitting the sack.
That's because their cross-town basketball buddies, the Miami Heat, will be playing in Game 1 of their own Eastern Conference Finals series.
It's okay if not every player or coach understands exactly what they're watching, because everyone can read a scoreboard.
Right now, it's all about being united.
"I know as much about basketball as I do about goaltending," Maurice said with a laugh. "I know its fun to watch but I'm not sure what the hell they're doing."
In a showing of solidarity and support, Maurice and his Panthers players were all wearing Heat gear as they boarded their flight at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
"There's a connection now between the two teams, through sports fans," Maurice said.
The Panthers official Twitter page sent out photos and a fun video, and they can be seen below.
Fortunately for South Florida sports fans, the schedule-makers did them a big favor.
The Heat start their series Wednesday and the Panthers on Thursday. Both teams will continue playing on alternating days until the completion of their respective series.
"It's just a great story, and it's fun to be a part of," Maurice said. "We're both going to try to do our half."
While nobody wants to get too far ahead of themselves, its hard not to imagine the possibilities.
The Panthers and Heat are four wins away from the Stanley Cup Final and the NBA Finals.
They're eight wins away from winning a championship.
"Wouldn't it be unbelievable in two weeks if we were both still playing?" asked Maurice. "Craziness in this town."