Five through six is a real-estate grab in this Monday mock draft, with Cale Makar and Kirill Kaprizov pegged as the obvious core pieces to anchor a title-run. The convo leans into a heavy-forward build, wary of spending early picks on goalies, and leans on elite peripherals from players like Pastrnak, McDavid, and MacKinnon to fuel counting stats. The boys dissect positional balance, the zero-goalie approach, and late-round value plays like Wyatt Johnston, Tage Thompson, and Noah Dobson, crafting a blueprint for a competitive lineup even before preseason has begun. The banter stays sharp on risk: rising stars, injury considerations, and the inevitable snipe picks that shift rosters in a flash.

EA Sports NHL 26 arrives with a clear emphasis on depth, progression, and realism. The trailer showcases a more cinematic presentation, but the emphasis stays on gameplay fidelity, with features like a revamped Be Pro and a deeper AHL pathway that lets players rise through the ranks before suiting up in the NHL. Real-time analytics integration—using NHL Edge stats to drive cutscenes and in-game events—could push player ratings and tendencies to feel more dynamic across patches, which fantasy managers will want to monitor closely as rosters shift mid-season.

World Juniors content appears to be woven into the package, signaling more authentic international flavor and a richer pool of young talent in career modes. Draft sequences hint at a more meaningful year-to-year progression, while the ability to roam the AHL makes the path from junior to pro feel less linear. Patch cadence will matter: early fixes in college football this year show developers listening to the community, and that responsiveness could translate into a smoother balance for Hut and Franchise modes. A pre-order bonus centers on 99 overall Matthew Kachuk in Hut, with Brady on the cover alongside him, underscoring the game’s focus on marquee stars and dynamic rosters.

The Ottawa Senators are emerging as a promising team in the NHL, especially for fantasy hockey enthusiasts. With a plethora of young talent, the Senators displayed their potential during last season's playoffs, making them a team to watch closely this upcoming season. Key players such as Dylan Cousins are set to make significant impacts as they step into more prominent roles within the lineup. Additionally, players like Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stutzle are establishing themselves as core contributors, and their performances will be pivotal for both the team's success and fantasy value.

The growth of their young stars is breeding excitement among fantasy managers, with targets like Drake Batherson and Jake Sanderson likely to provide excellent value in drafts. Batherson's power-play potential can contribute to high point totals, while Sanderson is establishing himself as a top defenseman, capable of driving offensive plays. As the Senators continue to develop, their young core may lead to increased fantasy relevance across the board.

This week's episode shines the spotlight on the top five left wingers dominating the fantasy hockey landscape as the season approaches. Players like Jake Guentzel, who has proven his worth away from the shadow of Sidney Crosby, are highlighted as essential picks. Meanwhile, debates swirl around the consistency of stars like Artemi Panarin and Brady Tkachuk, as their roles within their respective teams evolve. The hosts also delve into the enigmatic nature of Stuart Skinner's performance with the Edmonton Oilers, examining his erratic fantasy value and potential for future games. As they wrap up, they share crucial betting insights for today's NHL playoff games, urging listeners to keep track of player stats and trends for informed decisions.

The Battle of Ontario has taken another thrilling twist as the Ottawa Senators pulled off a surprising win against the Toronto Maple Leafs, marking a pivotal moment in their playoff journey. With the series now at 3-2, the Senators displayed resilience, overcoming a daunting 3-0 deficit and reigniting hope among their fans. This victory was underscored by standout performances from young stars like Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stutzle, who both scored crucial goals.

Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs faced mounting pressure as they grappled with their historical struggles in closeout games. Notably, star players Auston Matthews and William Nylander were criticized for their lackluster performances, raising concerns about the team's psyche heading into Game 6 in Ottawa. The narrative surrounding the Leafs' playoff woes continues to grow, especially as they prepare for a potential Game 7, which would mark a critical juncture for a franchise desperate to shed its playoff failures.