According to Oakland-based Christian radio broadcast Harold Camping, the Rapture will take place around the globe on Saturday May 21, 2011 at 6:00pm local time. We'll briefly ignore the fact that Camping declared this would happen back in 1994 because that just takes away all the fun in this. Rather, based on Camping's current prediction, all of this will get started not too long after the San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks wrap up game three of their Western Conference semifinal matchup.
Camping has indicated 6:00pm local time on May 21, 2011 is the moment of reckoning. If that is correct, then it looks like the first 6:00pm local time will take place in New Zealand and parts of Russia at 11:00pm pacific time. If that's the case, the Sharks-Canucks and Athletics-Giants will both be over, meaning Bay Area sports fans can focus on the coming end of the world. Unfortunately for Earthquakes fans, their Saturday contest with the New England Revolution is scheduled for 7:30pm pacific time on Saturday.
For Sharks fans, the outcome of Friday night's game three might make it easier to meet their maker. NHL teams have come back from 3-0 deficits to advance in the playoffs, but it's a difficult task, particularly when you're facing a thoroughly dominant number one seed like the Vancouver Canucks. If the Sharks can hold home ice tonight, Sharks fans can root for the Rapture to hold off through at least game four.