5 Stocks For The NHL Playoffs (PEP, NKE, CMCSA, MSG, BUD)

The NHL season is about to finish, and the playoffs are about to start in a couple weeks. There is nothing like playoff hockey, as teams battle for up to 7 games each round to try to win the Stanley Cup, the best trophy in all of sports. Which companies might benefit from the playoffs and the chase for Lord Stanley's Cup? There are a few companies which will see benefits, but none more so than Madison Square Garden MSG. As the owner of the New York Rangers, the New York Knicks, Madison Square Garden itself and Radio City Music Hall, MSG shares are likely to benefit as the Rangers push deep into the playoffs. Currently, both the Knicks and Rangers are looking like they will make the playoffs, and with an increase in ticket sales for the Rangers, as well as merchandise, and concessions, MSG shares are poised to benefit. The longer the Rangers go into the playoffs, led by goalie Henrik Lundqvist, Marion Gaborik, Ryan Callahan, Sean Avery, and others, the better MSG's earnings will be that quarter. Comcast CMCSA is also likely to benefit, as there will be a large number of games on NBC, which it just acquired from General Electric GE, and it's own proprietary network, Versus. Comcast will benefit no matter who wins the various series, but wants the top tier teams to go further so that ratings will be higher. As long as series go longer, Comcast should be able to reap benefits as it's able to receive ad revenue for the games. Nike NKE may also benefit, as Nike makes hockey skates, jerseys, and other hockey equipment, which may see increased sales during the playoffs. Nike shares have been beaten up recently, after the world's largest sporting equipment maker reported weaker than expected earnings, but at around $76 per share, this appears to be a level of support for shares. Shares are currently trading at 15.8 times 2011 earnings, and sport a 1.6% dividend yield. Pepsi PEP and Procter & Gamble PG are two more names that are likely to receive a little bit of attention during NHL playoff season, but for two totally different reasons. Gatorade, which is owned by Pepsi, is the sports drink of choice for all four major sports, and should see a little bit of an increase in sales. Procter & Gamble owns Gillette now, and hockey players are notorious for not shaving their bears during playoff season. Perhaps Gillette can do something to boost sales and use this situation to its benefit, as opposed to its detriment. Budwesier BUD shares may also benefit, as beer sales increase during sports playoffs, and hockey is no different. These five names won't help you skate and score like Wayne Gretzky, but they could make your portfolio look like the "The Great One."