In this episode, we open with the Toronto Maple Leafs winning the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery and what that means for the future of Auston Matthews in Toronto. Could this be the moment the Leafs finally consider moving their franchise player? From there, we shift into the league-wide award races as the Calder, Norris, and Hart Trophy finalists are officially announced, breaking down who deserves to win and why each race is so tight this season. We also take a look at major front-office news, including Jim Rutherford stepping down as the Canucks’ President of Hockey Operations and how that decision impacts Vancouver’s long-term direction. With the NHL salary cap set to rise for the 2026–27 season, we discuss which teams benefit the most and how the cap jump could reshape the offseason. Finally, we dive into the chaos of the second round of the NHL Playoffs. The Hurricanes sweep the Flyers, the Sabres and Canadiens are locked into a series that feels destined for seven games, the Wild refuse to go away against the Avalanche, and the Golden Knights expose the Ducks in a statement performance. 

🔊 New episodes drop every Sunday & Thursday @ 7 PM EST 🔥 

🎧 Stay locked in for the hottest takes, bold predictions, and real talk from around the NHL. 

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00:00:00 Introduction 

00:01:00 Leafs Win Draft Lottery 

00:18:40 Calder Finalists 

00:24:27 Norris Trophy 

00:32:06 Hart Trophy Finalists 

00:38:39 Jim Rutherford Stepping Down 

00:45:41 NHL Salary Cap Rising 

00:52:24 2nd Round Talk 

01:23:45 Outro

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We’ve got a shorter episode today, but we jump right into the chaos around the NHL. We start with Game 7 between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens — a wild finish where Montreal advanced despite recording only nine shots on goal. One of the strangest elimination wins you’ll ever see. Next, we break down the Toronto Maple Leafs hiring John Chayka as their new general manager and what this move means for a franchise that continues to spiral. From front‑office decisions to on‑ice results, the Leafs look like they’re heading straight down the drain. We wrap things up with a full look at Round 2 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, touching on every series so far and how each matchup is shaping up. 

🔊 New episodes drop every Sunday & Thursday @ 7 PM EST 🔥 

🎧 Stay locked in for the hottest takes, bold predictions, and real talk from around the NHL. 

🔥 Follow Us on Social Media: 

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📧 Email | [email protected] 

🎙️ Presented by The Hockey Podcast Network 

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(00:00) Introduction 

(01:46) Mtl/Tbl Game 7 

(11:00) Leafs Talk 

(21:25) 2nd RD Underway 

(37:30) Outro

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In this episode, we break down the entire Sabres vs Bruins first‑round series, including the wild baseball‑swing slash from Charlie McAvoy on Zach Benson and how Buffalo completely took over the matchup. We also dive into the comments from Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl about the Oilers’ management and what it means for Edmonton moving forward. From there, we shift into our full 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 2 preview and predictions. We start with the Sabres’ upcoming matchup against either the Lightning or Canadiens, then move to the Hurricanes vs Flyers series in the East. Out West, we break down the Avalanche vs Wild showdown and finish with a deep look at the Golden Knights vs Ducks series. 

🔊 New episodes drop every Sunday & Thursday @ 7 PM EST 🔥

🎧 Stay locked in for the hottest takes, bold predictions, and real talk from around the NHL. 

🔥 Follow Us on Social Media: 

▶ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@checkfrombehindpod?lang=en 

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▶ Twitch | https://www.twitch.tv/checkingfrombehind 

📧 Email | [email protected] 🎙️

 Presented by The Hockey Podcast Network 

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(00:00:00O) Welcome to CFB Pod 

(00:01:49) Jack Adams Award Finalists 

(00:09:07) Sabres Advance to 2nd Rd 

(00:24:15) Mcdavid/Draisaitil Comments 

(00:41:26) Buf/Tbl or Mtl 

(00:46:52) Car/Phi 

(01:02:51) Col/Min 

(01:12:35) Vgk/Ana 

(01:25:14) Outro

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In this episode we break down everything happening in the 2026 NHL Playoffs. We start with the Ted Lindsay Award finalists and the Vezina Trophy finalists, then dive into every first‑round playoff series that’s still underway. From the Sabres, Ducks, Wild, and Canadiens to the Golden Knights, Oilers, and more — the biggest question right now is simple: Can the young teams close out their series and move on? We cover all the storylines, momentum swings, breakout players, and surprises shaping the 2026 postseason. If you’re following the NHL Playoffs, this episode has everything you need to stay locked in. 

🔊 New episodes drop every Sunday & Thursday @ 7 PM EST 🔥 

🎧 Stay locked in for the hottest takes, bold predictions, and real talk from around the NHL. 

🔥 Follow Us on Social Media: 

▶ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@checkfrombehindpod?lang=en 

▶ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/checkfrombehind/ 

▶ X (Twitter) | https://x.com/CheckFromBehind 

▶ Twitch | https://www.twitch.tv/checkingfrombehind 

📧 Email | [email protected] 

🎙️ Presented by The Hockey Podcast Network 

💰 Sponsored by DraftKings Sportsbook – The official sports betting partner of THPN: Spend just $5 you get $200 in bonus bets SIGN UP HERE: https://tinyurl.com/DKSIGNUP25 

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(00:00:00) Welcome to CFB Pod 

(00:01:35) Award Finalists 

(00:13:26) Buf/Bos 

(00:24:41) Tbl/Mtl 

(00:31:57) Pit/Phi 

(00:41:50) Col/Lak 

(00:46:53) Dal/Min 

(00:54:24) Vgk/Uta 

(01:02:01) Edm/Ana 

(01:13:31) Outro

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In this episode, we break down every major storyline from the 2026 NHL Playoffs and dive into how each first‑round series is unfolding. We start in the Eastern Conference with two tight matchups — the Sabres vs Bruins and Lightning vs Canadiens — and what each team needs to do to take control. From there, we shift to the biggest headline of the night: the Carolina Hurricanes becoming the first team to advance to Round 2 after sweeping the Ottawa Senators. We break down how Carolina dominated the series and why they look like a legitimate threat moving forward. Next, we head to the Western Conference to look at the Avalanche vs Kings series and how Colorado has taken full command. Then we dive into one of the most exciting matchups of the first round — the Stars vs Wild, including the double‑OT thriller and how the momentum is shifting. We wrap up in the Pacific Division with two surprising storylines: the Mammoth taking a 2–1 lead over the Golden Knights, and the Ducks doing the same against the Oilers after back‑to‑back explosive offensive performances. 

🔊 New episodes drop every Sunday & Thursday @ 7 PM EST 🔥 

🎧 Stay locked in for the hottest takes, bold predictions, and real talk from around the NHL. 

🔥 Follow Us on Social Media:

▶ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@checkfrombehindpod?lang=en 

▶ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/checkfrombehind/ 

▶ X (Twitter) | https://x.com/CheckFromBehind 

▶ Twitch | https://www.twitch.tv/checkingfrombehind 

📧 Email | [email protected] 

🎙️ Presented by The Hockey Podcast Network 

💰 Sponsored by DraftKings Sportsbook – The official sports betting partner of THPN: Spend just $5 you get $200 in bonus bets SIGN UP HERE: https://tinyurl.com/DKSIGNUP25 

💥 Powered by DUBBY — Fuel your game at https://www.dubby.gg/ and use code CFBPOD to save 10% on your entire order. 

(00:00:00) Introduction 

(00:07:58) Sabres vs Bruins 

(00:17:35) Lightning vs Canadiens 

(00:29:26) Hurricanes Sweep Senators 

(00:46:11) Penguins vs Flyers 

(00:58:03) Avalanche vs Kings 

(01:05:15) Stars vs Wild 

(01:15:18) Golden Knights vs Mammoth 

(01:23:11) Oilers vs Ducks 

(01:36:55) Outro

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The NHL Playoffs are officially underway, and in this episode we break down every first‑round series and how each matchup has unfolded so far. We start with a deep dive into the Buffalo Sabres vs. Boston Bruins series — momentum swings, standout performances, key adjustments, and what each team needs to do to take control. From there, we go around the league and analyze every playoff series: who’s dominating, who’s struggling, the biggest surprises, and what we expect for the rest of the first round. Whether it’s overtime chaos, breakout stars, or early storylines shaping the bracket, we cover it all. 

🔊 New episodes drop every Sunday & Thursday @ 7 PM EST 🔥 

🎧 Stay locked in for the hottest takes, bold predictions, and real talk from around the NHL. 

🔥 Follow Us on Social Media: 

▶ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@checkfrombehindpod?lang=en

 ▶ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/checkfrombehind/

 ▶ X (Twitter) | https://x.com/CheckFromBehind 

▶ Twitch | https://www.twitch.tv/checkingfrombehind 

📧 Email | [email protected] 

🎙️ Presented by The Hockey Podcast Network 

💰 Sponsored by DraftKings Sportsbook – The official sports betting partner of THPN: Spend just $5 you get $200 in bonus bets SIGN UP HERE: https://tinyurl.com/DKSIGNUP25 

💥 Powered by DUBBY — Fuel your game at https://www.dubby.gg/ and use code CFBPOD to save 10% on your entire order. 

(00:00) Welcome to CFB Pod 

(04:45) Sabres vs Bruins 

(15:47) Lightning vs Canadiens

 (22:28) Hurricanes vs Senators 

(33:23) Penguins vs Flyers 

(40:38) Avalanche vs Kings 

(43:54) Stars vs Wild 

(48:15) Golden Knights vs Mammoth

(51:11) Oilers vs Ducks 

(55:04) Outro

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The 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs are here, and we’re breaking down every first‑round matchup. In this episode, we go series‑by‑series, analyze the biggest storylines, and predict who will advance to the Second Round. We start in the Eastern Conference, looking at the top contenders, potential upsets, and key players who could swing each series. Then we move to the Western Conference for a full breakdown of every matchup, strengths, weaknesses, and X‑factors. To wrap things up, we give our 2026 Stanley Cup Final predictions and pick who we think has the best chance to win it all. 

🔊 New episodes drop every Sunday & Thursday @ 7 PM EST 🔥 

🎧 Stay locked in for the hottest takes, bold predictions, and real talk from around the NHL. 

🔥 Follow Us on Social Media: 

▶ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@checkfrombehindpod?lang=en 

▶ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/checkfrombehind/

 ▶ X (Twitter) | https://x.com/CheckFromBehind 

▶ Twitch | https://www.twitch.tv/checkingfrombehind 

📧 Email | [email protected] 

🎙️ Presented by The Hockey Podcast Network 

💰 Sponsored by DraftKings Sportsbook – The official sports betting partner of THPN: Spend just $5 you get $200 in bonus bets SIGN UP HERE: https://tinyurl.com/DKSIGNUP25 

💥 Powered by DUBBY — Fuel your game at https://www.dubby.gg/ and use code CFBPOD to save 10% on your entire order.

(00:00:00) Welcome to CFB Pod 

(00:03:30) CAR vs OTT 

(00:09:54) PIT vs PHI 

(00:15:39) BUF vs BOS 

(00:23:53) TBL vs MTL 

(00:29:53) COL vs LAK 

(00:34:05) DAL vs MIN 

(00:41:40) VGK vs UTA

(00:46:16) EDM vs ANA 

(00:53:22) Stanley Cup Final Picks 

(00:58:13) Outro

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The NHL playoff picture is taking shape, and in this episode we break down the six teams that officially clinched a postseason berth over the weekend. Some were expected from the start of the season — others shocked the league. We open in the Eastern Conference, where the Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, and Ottawa Senators all locked in their playoff spots. We take a deeper look at why the Senators have become the team no one wants to face and how their style translates perfectly to playoff hockey. Then we shift to the Western Conference, where three more teams punched their ticket: the Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton Oilers, and the Utah Mammoth. We break down how each team got here and what their potential first‑round matchups could look like. To wrap things up, we discuss the Detroit Red Wings being officially eliminated from playoff contention — and how they now hold the NHL’s longest active playoff drought at 10 seasons. 🔊 New episodes drop every Sunday & Thursday @ 7 PM EST 🔥 

🎧 Stay locked in for the hottest takes, bold predictions, and real talk from around the NHL. 🔥

 Follow Us on Social Media: 

▶ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@checkfrombehindpod?lang=en 

▶ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/checkfrombehind/ 

▶ X (Twitter) | https://x.com/CheckFromBehind 

▶ Twitch | https://www.twitch.tv/checkingfrombehind 

📧 Email | [email protected] 

🎙️ Presented by The Hockey Podcast Network 

💰 Sponsored by DraftKings Sportsbook – The official sports betting partner of THPN: Spend just $5 you get $200 in bonus bets SIGN UP HERE: https://tinyurl.com/DKSIGNUP25 

💥 Powered by DUBBY — Fuel your game at https://www.dubby.gg/ and use code CFBPOD to save 10% on your entire order. 

(00:00:00) Welcome to CFB Pod 

(00:04:33) Penguins Clinch Playoff Berth 

(00:14:57) Senators Clinch Playoff Berth

 (00:21:07) Boston Bruins Clinch Playoff Berth 

(00:34:52) Golden Knights Clinch Playoff Berth 

(00:38:50) Oilers Clinch Playoff Berth 

(00:47:28) Mammoth Clinch Playoff Berth 

(00:52:39) Red Wings Miss Playoffs Again

(01:06:18) Outro

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The New York Islanders have officially made a coaching change, and the New Jersey Devils have fired GM Tom Fitzgerald — two massive front‑office shakeups that could reshape both franchises. We open the episode breaking down what these moves mean, why they happened, and how they impact the playoff race. Then we’re joined by Shawn De Paz from the What Chaos podcast to talk all things Buffalo Sabres. We dive into the Sabres clinching a long‑awaited playoff spot, expectations heading into the postseason, and how this young core stacks up against the East. To wrap things up, we look back on our favorite (and funniest) moments from the drought era. 

🔊 New episodes drop every Sunday & Thursday @ 7 PM EST 🔥

🎧 Stay locked in for the hottest takes, bold predictions, and real talk from around the NHL. 

🔥 Follow Us on Social Media: 

▶ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@checkfrombehindpod?lang=en 

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▶ Twitch | https://www.twitch.tv/checkingfrombehind 

📧 Email | [email protected] 🎙️

 Presented by The Hockey Podcast Network 

💰 Sponsored by DraftKings Sportsbook – The official sports betting partner of THPN: Spend just $5 you get $200 in bonus bets SIGN UP HERE: https://tinyurl.com/DKSIGNUP25 

💥 Powered by DUBBY — Fuel your game at https://www.dubby.gg/ and use code CFBPOD to save 10% on your entire order. 

(00:00) Introduction 

(01:48) Isles Make Coaching Change 

(07:42) Devils Fire Fitzgerald 

(17:11) Shawn De Paz Joins 

(52:10) Outro

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The Buffalo Sabres have officially clinched a playoff spot for the first time since 2011, and we open the episode breaking down what this moment means for the franchise, the fanbase, and the Eastern Conference picture. From there, we dive into the chaotic Eastern Conference wild card race and evaluate which teams are surging — and which ones are collapsing — with just two weeks left in the NHL regular season. We also react to Keith Tkachuk’s controversial comments that lit up the hockey world and discuss how players, fans, and teams are responding. Then we shift to the Western Conference, where the LA Kings just played their record‑breaking 31st game that needed extra time. We look at what that says about their style, their playoff readiness, and their identity. We also check in on the San Jose Sharks’ rebuild and whether their long‑term plan is finally taking shape. To wrap things up, we talk about the red‑hot Edmonton Oilers reclaiming control of the Pacific Division and what their late‑season surge means for the playoff bracket.

 🔊 New episodes drop every Sunday & Thursday @ 7 PM EST 🔥 

🎧 Stay locked in for the hottest takes, bold predictions, and real talk from around the NHL. 

🔥 Follow Us on Social Media: 

▶ TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@checkfrombehindpod?lang=en 

▶ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/checkfrombehind/

 ▶ X (Twitter) | https://x.com/CheckFromBehind 

▶ Twitch | https://www.twitch.tv/checkingfrombehind 

📧 Email | [email protected] 

🎙️ Presented by The Hockey Podcast Network 

💰 Sponsored by DraftKings Sportsbook – The official sports betting partner of THPN: Spend just $5 you get $200 in bonus bets SIGN UP HERE: https://tinyurl.com/DKSIGNUP25 

💥 Powered by DUBBY — Fuel your game at https://www.dubby.gg/ and use code CFBPOD to save 10% on your entire order.

(00:00:00) Welcome to CFB Pod 

(00:00:34) Sabres Clinch Playoff Spot 0

(0:22:22) East Playoff Update 

(00:29:51) Flyers Are Hot 

(00:41:54) Keith Tkachuk's Comments 

O(00:46:09) West Playoff Update 

(01:08:05) Outro

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