Hey everyone, hope you are doing well. Tonight, we are back again for another great Episode 33 of Season 7 of Two Guys & Hockey Talk. Here are some of the top stories from around the league and in the world of hockey:
- The NHL Draft Lottery – The Toronto Maple Leafs pulled off a surprise in the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery, landing the No. 1 overall pick despite having only the fifth-worst record. The unexpected win puts them in position to select a top prospect like Gavin McKenna or Ivar Stenberg, while teams with poorer records such as Vancouver slid down the order, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the lottery system. In second was the San Jose Sharks, Vancouver in 3rd and Chicago in 4th, and the Rangers in 5th. This is great for Toronto as they try to retool on the fly with a new GM (John Chayka & Mats Sundin). This comes off a very interesting presser that took place the day before.
- Edmonton Oilers Uncertainty & Potential Changes – Following the Edmonton Oilers early playoff exit to the Anaheim Ducks, both Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl had some key concerns they have with the future of the organization and their role in it. This comes with growing scrutiny and questions intensifying about their long-term future in Edmonton along with questions about goaltending, coaching and management. Given McDavid’s short-term contract situation and continued pursuit of a Stanley Cup, speculation is building that he could eventually consider leaving the team in search of a better championship opportunity if it isn’t figured out in the next year or two.
- Rocky Thompson in the NHL – The New York Islanders have promoted Rocky Thompson to their NHL coaching staff following a strong and successful AHL season, reflecting the organization’s confidence in his ability to develop players and contribute at the highest level. His promotion highlights a commitment to internal growth and continuity, as the Islanders look to build on his recent success, bring fresh ideas behind the bench, and strengthen both their player development pipeline and overall team performance moving forward.
- Charlie McAvoy Suspension – Playoff tensions have escalated as Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy faces a potential suspension following a controversial and physical incident, adding another layer of drama to an already intense series. With a ruling still pending, the decision could have a significant impact on the Bruins’ matchup against the Buffalo Sabres, potentially shifting momentum and influencing the outcome as both teams battle for advancement.
- Ridly Greig Suspension – Speaking of suspensions, Ridly Greig of the Ottawa Senators was suspended for two regular-season games following a roughing incident against the Carolina Hurricanes. The punishment stems from an unprovoked punch during a playoff scrum with defenseman Sean Walker from the Carolina Hurricanes, and while it won’t affect the now-eliminated Senators immediately, it will carry over into next season, raising concerns about player discipline and adding to the league’s ongoing focus on safety and accountability.
- Avalanche dominate early in Round 2 -The Colorado Avalanche are one of the biggest stories in the playoffs after jumping to a 2 to 0 series lead over the Minnesota Wild, scoring a combined 14 goals in the first two games. Their offensive output is historically strong for this stage, placing them among the highest-scoring starts to a playoff series in decades. The Avalanche’s top player which includes Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makr are driving the attack, while the Wild have struggled to contain their speed and scoring depth.
- Hurricanes take control over Flyers – In the east, the Carolina Hurricanes have seized momentum in their series against Philadelphia, winning the first two games including an overtime victory, to take a 2–0 lead. Carolina entered the playoffs as one of the league’s top teams and continues to show strong two‑way play, while the Flyers, who upset Pittsburgh in Round 1, are now facing significant pressure heading into Game 3. Montreal and Buffalo will start tonight, while the Vegas Golden Knights are up 1-0 versus the Anaheim Ducks.
- Fans React After Controversial Overtime Goal in Hershey – A chaotic scene unfolded during an AHL playoff game between the Hershey Bears and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins after a controversial overtime goal sparked outrage among fans. Many spectators believed the puck never crossed the line and grew frustrated when officials did not review the play, leading to debris being thrown onto the ice and some fans refusing to leave the arena. Despite the confusion, replay footage later confirmed the goal was valid, but the incident highlighted the intensity of the rivalry and the heightened emotions surrounding the Calder Cup playoffs.
Thoughts? Questions? Suggestions? Then remember to tune in each week to get all the latest news in the world of hockey as we start up Season 7 of the Podcast each Wednesday night at 7pm MST, where we dive into some of these great topics, interview many in the game and so much more. For more hockey news, different takes or if you want to chat about anything hockey give me a follow @hockey_two & @revinev on X and give us a follow on YouTube, and check out our website for articles that we share regularly at https://twoguysandhockeytalk.com/. If you wish to reach out to us, feel free to email us at twoguyshockeytalk@gmail.com
- Pawel ‘The Cat’
