The Montreal Canadiens beat the Tampa Bay Lightning in seven games. The Buffalo Sabres handled the Boston Bruins. Now they meet in Round 2 and this might be the most exciting series left in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Nick Zararis and Hunter Hodies break down every second-round matchup and explain why the NHL is entering a brand new era. What's covered: Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres : Why this series could go seven games and what each team needs to do differently after Buffalo's dominant Game 1 win Jacob Dobes : How the Canadiens goalie stood tall in a Game 7 against a Tampa Bay Lightning team that threw everything at him Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky: Montreal's stars have been quiet at even strength. Can they show up against Buffalo's elite defense? Alex Lyon vs Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen: Why the Buffalo Sabres might have the deepest goaltending tandem left in the playoffs Zach Benson, Ryan McLeod, Bowen Byram and Jordan Greenway: Why Buffalo's depth players are carrying the load and making this team incredibly hard to beat Anaheim Ducks vs Vegas Golden Knights: How the Ducks stole home ice with a dominant Game 2 performance and why Cutter Gauthier, Leo Carlson and Jackson Lacombe are outplaying Jack Eichel and Mark Stone Carolina Hurricanes vs Philadelphia Flyers: Taylor Hall, Logan Stankoven and Jackson Blake's line has outscored opponents 6-0, and whether the Flyers have any answer 04:35 Montreal vs Buffalo playoff analysis 06:35 Montreal's performance against Buffalo 13:06 Stanley Cup playoffs discussion 19:12 Ducks' strong playoff performance 19:59 Discussing Lacombe's playoff performance 23:57 Scoring efficiency against Carolina 27:31 Carolina's playoff performance analysis 30:49 Ending today's Locked on NHL episode The next wave of NHL contenders isn't coming. They're already here Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Indeed Now, you can speed up your hiring process with a $75 Sponsored Job Credit. Just go to https://indeed.com/podcast right now and support our show by saying you heard about Indeed on this podcast. Terms and conditions apply. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything. Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game. 5-Hour ENERGY The Cotton Candy flavor is HERE on https://5hourEnergy.com or Amazon, crack open Cotton Candy 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today! Rugiet Get 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhl Rugiet. Performance medicine for men. Quo Make this the year where no opportunity — and no customer — slips away. Try Quo for free plus get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to http://Quo.com/lockedonnhl. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LONHL?sid=YouTube Locked On NHL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Prospects & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNHL Follow Locked On NHL on Social Twitter https://bit.ly/3hXyu5w Facebook https://bit.ly/3BubZNc #NHL #Hockey
The MLB season keeps delivering surprises, and this week on *Dugout Debrief with Chris Deluca*, we break down the biggest stories shaking up baseball right now. Chris ranks the TOP 5 pitching rotations in Major League Baseball as teams continue battling inconsistency across the league. Which staffs still look dominant? Which preseason favorites are falling apart? From elite aces to complete rotations carrying contenders, we dive deep into the arms defining the 2026 MLB season. We also discuss the massive news surrounding Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal after the back-to-back AL Cy Young winner undergoes elbow surgery that will sideline him for significant time. What does this mean for Detroit’s playoff hopes and Skubal’s future moving forward? Plus, Matt Olson is off to a scorching start this season. Can the Braves slugger seriously challenge Shohei Ohtani in the NL MVP race? Chris breaks down Olson’s dominant numbers, Atlanta’s outlook, and whether Ohtani’s reign as baseball’s biggest star could finally face legitimate competition. We also take time to remember legendary Yankees broadcaster John Sterling and reflect on the unforgettable calls and moments that made him one of the most iconic voices in baseball history. ⚾ Top 5 MLB Rotations ⚾ Tarik Skubal Injury Fallout ⚾ Matt Olson MVP Discussion ⚾ Ohtani vs Olson Debate ⚾ Remembering John Sterling ⚾ MLB News, Analysis & Reactions Subscribe to *Dugout Debrief with Chris Deluca* for weekly MLB coverage, breaking baseball news, rankings, debates, reactions, and analysis throughout the 2026 MLB season. #MLB #Baseball #TarikSkubal #MattOlson #ShoheiOhtani #AtlantaBraves #DetroitTigers #NewYorkYankees #JohnSterling #MLBPodcast #BaseballTalk #MLBNews #DugoutDebrief
00:00 Trace Fowler and Craig Sandlin Live in the 9th Inning 27:58 10th Inning 40:01 Walk-Off Reaction... 45:33 Full Game Recap Check out our partners ⤵️ Get 20% off sitewide at Homage with promo code CHATTER at checkout: homage.com/CBOX The Anthony Muñoz 78 Cigar! Get your box today: https://www.anthonymunoz.com/anthony-... Apply today at Sharefax Credit Union: Sharefax.org or call 513-753-2440 Learn more about our friends at QC Kinetix! Call (513) 655-3356 or visit qckinetix.com It’s OK not to be OK! Need Help? Call or text 988 DAY OR NIGHT or visit mantherapy.org ----------------------------------- Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs – May 5, 2026 Preview The Chicago Cubs (23-12) host the Cincinnati Reds (20-15) on Tuesday night at Wrigley Field in a key NL Central showdown. The Cubs sit atop the division, riding a 12-game home winning streak — the longest at Wrigley since 1935 — and have won 15 of their last 18 games overall. The Reds, battling in third place, dropped the series opener 5-4 on Monday in a heartbreaker featuring a Michael Conforto walk-off homer. Pitching Matchup: Andrew Abbott (Reds) vs. Jameson Taillon (Cubs) Left-hander Andrew Abbott (1-2, 5.97 ERA, 1.67 WHIP) starts for Cincinnati. The 26-year-old has shown flashes but struggles with consistency, allowing too many hard-hit balls and baserunners. He posted a decent outing against Colorado recently (2 runs in 6 IP) but faces a Cubs lineup that ranks among the league’s better offenses. Right-hander Jameson Taillon (2-1, 4.41 ERA, 1.15 WHIP) counters for Chicago. Taillon provides steady innings and has kept the ball in the yard better lately, though he has surrendered at least one homer in five straight starts. His lower walk rate gives the Cubs an edge in limiting free passes. The betting line favors the Cubs at home (-164) with the over/under set at 8 runs, reflecting Wrigley’s hitter-friendly conditions and both teams’ offensive potential. Team Strengths and Key Players The Cubs boast one of the NL’s top offenses, averaging over 5 runs per game. Standouts include Ian Happ (strong history vs. Reds), Seiya Suzuki (power and consistency), Pete Crow-Armstrong (speed, defense, and rising star potential), Michael Busch, and new addition Alex Bregman at third base, bolstering an already solid infield. Chicago’s recent hot streak highlights their depth and clutch hitting. The Reds counter with dynamic talent led by Elly De La Cruz (speed and power), Tyler Stephenson (elite hard-hit and plate discipline metrics), and contributors like Spencer Steer and JJ Bleday. Cincinnati has shown fight, winning close games (7-2 in one-run contests), but their pitching staff has been inconsistent, posting a higher team ERA. Recent Form and Context Chicago extended their home dominance with Monday’s comeback win, powered by Suzuki’s massive three-run homer. The Cubs lead the Reds by three games in the division and aim to pull away early in the season. Cincinnati enters on a mini skid but remains competitive, boasting a solid road record (10-7) and young upside. Wrigley Field’s atmosphere should be electric for this intradivision battle. Factors like wind, bullpen usage (both teams leaned on relievers Monday), and timely hitting will decide the outcome. The Cubs’ home momentum and pitching edge make them favorites, but the Reds’ athleticism — particularly on the bases and with power threats — keeps this matchup dangerous. Prediction and Outlook Expect an offensive showcase. The Cubs’ lineup depth and home cooking suggest a narrow victory, perhaps 5-4 or 6-3, pushing their home winning streak to 13 games. The Reds have the talent to steal a game if Abbott can limit damage early and their speed creates chaos on the bases. This series carries early-season weight in the NL Central. A Cubs win would widen the gap and reinforce their status as division frontrunners, while a Reds victory would tighten the race and validate Cincinnati’s contention hopes. With strong lineups on both sides and Wrigley’s unpredictable elements, fans should be treated to an entertaining night of baseball.
Colin Cowherd is joined by Nick Wright to discuss the biggest storylines in sports, including the NBA playoffs and the NFL draft. They start by discussing whether LeBron James can carry the Los Angeles Lakers past Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the OKC Thunder, whether the Boston Celtics are a top-five team, whether Anthony Edwards can lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a title, Victor Wembanyama, the New York Knicks, and Patrick Mahomes returning to the Kansas City Chiefs. Next, Colin reacts to the Timberwolves’ win over the San Antonio Spurs and the Knicks’ win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Finally, Colin discusses Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and the Boston Celtics and whether they are a top team despite not being in the NBA Playoffs anymore. 0:00 LeBron James 4:40 Nick Wright 24:40 T’Wolves-Spurs 29:49 Knicks-76ers 36:30 Boston Celtics All lines provided by @hardrockbet NEW MERCH: http://www.theherdmerch.com/ Subscribe to The Colin Cowherd Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@ColinCowherdPodcast #lebronjames #kansascitychiefs #losangeleslakers
#mustwatch #bignews The Hurricanes extend their series lead behind another clutch performance, while the Golden Knights open theirs with a controversial game-winning goal. Meanwhile, the rest of the Stanley Cup Playoffs continue to heat up with high-intensity matchups. All that and more on today’s episode of the Hockey Talk with TG Podcast. Hello guys. Welcome back to another episode of Hockey Talk with TG. In this episode, I break down the latest from the Stanley Cup Playoffs, including the Carolina Hurricanes storming to a 2-0 series lead over the Philadelphia Flyers after a dramatic overtime win. We dive into Taylor Hall’s clutch performance, Carolina’s dominant postseason run, and why this series may not be over just yet despite the early deficit. I also analyze how the Flyers responded in Game 2, making key adjustments offensively and turning it into a much more competitive matchup. Can Philadelphia carry that momentum back home for Games 3 and 4? Plus, what they must fix defensively and how this series could shift moving forward. Then, we get into the Vegas Golden Knights’ Game 1 win over the Anaheim Ducks, highlighted by Ivan Barbashev’s controversial game-winning goal. Was it the right call or did the Ducks get robbed? I break down the full sequence, the reaction, and what it means for the series going forward. We also preview Game 2 between the Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche following their high-scoring Game 1, and discuss the NHL Draft Lottery happening tonight with major implications for teams like the Chicago Blackhawks. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the episode. DON'T FORGET to FOLLOW the Hockey Talk with TG Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and SUBSCRIBE to the YouTube Channel. We're with you EVERY Tuesday and Thursday from 1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. so make sure to give this podcast a follow. Your No. 1 podcast for ALL things hockey. #nhl #stanleycupplayoffs #hockeytalk #hockeytalkwithtg #carolinahurricanes #letsgocanes #philadelphiaflyers #vegasgoldenknights #anaheimducks #ivanbarbashev #nhlplayoffs #2026 #hockeypodcast #nhlnews #taylorhall #hockeyanalysis #sportspodcast #nhldraftlottery #chicagoblackhawks #coloradoavalanche #minnesotawild #playoffhockey #nhlnewstoday SUBSCRIBE NOW: Click Here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTQmWaM7SWWG_dQ8D010ifg?sub_confirmation1 Check out my books on Amazon: Rising Up: A Young Player's Journey to the NHL https://a.co/d/gugKqEZ Slapshot Struggles: The Story of our Middle School Hockey Team https://a.co/d/6oClTtv From IceBergs to IceKings: https://a.co/d/aBQCsWh Breaking Barriers: A Black Man’s Ice League Journey https://a.co/d/8sWHKHB My Top 10 Blackhawks Moments: https://a.co/d/eMN7SQ7 FOLLOW THE PODCAST: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0qR3nU8ZM7EhL53OBOV4q2?si=c71af5d888b54f8a Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hockey-talk-with-tg/id1744859400 iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-hockey-talk-with-tg-173679556/ FOLLOW MY SOCIALS: Twitter: https://x.com/ty_glenn_hockey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tydahockeyboy/
The NHL’s division system has always played a huge role in shaping how the playoffs unfold, and it quietly decides how difficult a team’s path really is. Teams spend the entire regular season battling within their own division, building rivalries and getting used to the same opponents. When the playoffs start, those same matchups carry over into the first rounds. On paper it creates intensity and familiarity, but in reality it can create completely different levels of difficulty depending on where a team is placed. Some divisions are loaded from top to bottom, forcing teams to survive constant heavy matchups just to advance, while others give a bit more room to operate. That is where the conversation starts to get heated. When a team like the Carolina Hurricanes falls behind 2 to 0 and still manages to come back without it ever feeling out of reach, people begin to question how tough the road actually is. In some divisions, going down like that means the series is basically over because the competition punishes every mistake. In others, there is more margin for error, and that changes how these games feel. It is not just about how good a team is, it is about the environment they are playing in and the level of pressure they are facing every shift. Because of that, the division format ends up driving narratives just as much as it creates matchups. A comeback in one division is seen as grit and resilience, while the exact same comeback somewhere else can get brushed off as expected or even lucky. Fans notice those differences, and it fuels debates about which teams are truly being tested and which ones are benefiting from the structure. The system guarantees rivalries and drama, but it also guarantees that not every playoff path is equal, and that is why moments like this always turn into bigger conversations than just one game. #nhlplayoffs #OTWINNER #hockey#nhlhighlights
How do you grade Kevin Durant this season with the Houston Rockets? In this episode, the crew debates one of the biggest questions surrounding the Rockets this year — and the answers are all over the place. From B-minus to A-level performances, this conversation breaks down Kevin Durant’s impact, expectations, and the one area that continues to spark debate: 👉 Did he do enough to close games in the fourth quarter? While some argue KD was everything the Rockets needed — especially with injuries and inconsistent performances around him — others believe he didn’t take over late in games the way a superstar should. That’s where things get heated. We dive into: Kevin Durant’s overall performance this season Fourth quarter struggles and missed opportunities How injuries (including Fred VanVleet) impacted his role Whether KD had to carry too much of the load The difference between “playing great” and “finishing games” The biggest question: Was Kevin Durant elite this season… or just not clutch enough when it mattered most? 🔥 This is a debate Rockets fans won’t all agree on. #KevinDurant #HoustonRockets #NBA #NBATalk #Rockets