#NHLPeachy @NHL Maple Leafs Win NHL Draft Lottery, First Selection in 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft; Sharks Secure Second Overall Pick

The Toronto Maple Leafs and San Jose Sharks made moves up the order of selection for the First Round of the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft as a result of the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery, conducted this evening at NHL Network's Secaucus, N.J., studio.

The Maple Leafs were selected in the first of two drawings to climb from the No. 5 position to No. 1. The Sharks were selected in the second drawing, moving up from the No. 9 position to No. 2.

Participants in the Draft Lottery included all teams that did not qualify for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs (or the teams that have acquired the first-round drafting positions of those non-playoff teams).

The two draws were conducted to determine the order of selection for the first 16 picks in the First Round of the Draft. Among the changes to the Draft Lottery format announced on March 23, 2021, there was a limit on the total number of selections (10) a team participating in the Draft Lottery could “move up” in the event it won one of the Lottery Draws.

The broadcast of the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery again featured a live drawing of the lottery balls. Viewers were able to follow along and learn the results at the same time as the Draft Lottery participants. As each lottery ball was drawn, odds changed and teams were eliminated. The viewing audience learned which clubs were still in the running in real time.

The order of selection for the first 16 picks of the First Round, only, of the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft is as follows:

1. Toronto Maple Leafs

2. San Jose Sharks

3. Vancouver Canucks

4. Chicago Blackhawks

5. New York Rangers

6. Calgary Flames

7. Seattle Kraken

8. Winnipeg Jets

9. Florida Panthers

10. Nashville Predators

11. St. Louis Blues

12. New Jersey Devils

13. New York Islanders

14. Columbus Blue Jackets

15. St. Louis Blues (from Detroit)

16. Washington Capitals

The remaining positions are determined by the results of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Maple Leafs Win First Draw, No. 1 Drafting Position

In the drawing that determined the No. 1 drafting position, the Maple Leafs combinations had the fifth-greatest percentage likelihood of being selected based on inverse order of regular-season finish (8.5%).

The Maple Leafs have selected first overall twice before, in 1985 (Wendel Clark) and 2016 (Auston Matthews).

Sharks Win Second Draw, No. 2 Drafting Position

In the drawing for the No. 2 drafting position, the Sharks had the eighth-greatest percentage likelihood among the remaining clubs eligible for selection (5.5%).

San Jose has selected second overall four times, beginning with the first draft pick in franchise history, Pat Falloon, in 1991. The Sharks also have used the second overall pick to select Andrei Zyuzin (1996), Patrick Marleau (1997) and Michael Misa (2025).

Winning Combinations for Maple Leafs, Sharks

For each of the two drawings, 14 balls, numbered 1 to 14, were placed in a lottery machine. The machine randomly selected four balls. The resulting four-number series (without regard to selection order) was matched against a chart that shows all possible combinations and the clubs to which each was assigned. The chart showed that the Maple Leafs had been assigned the numbers (7-2-11-12) that were expelled in the first drawing, followed by the Sharks (11-4-3-7) in the second drawing.

Live Draw Adds To Suspense

In the First Draw, the winning Maple Leafs were among eight clubs still in contention to claim the first overall pick after the first three balls had been drawn (7-2-11). The others were Vancouver, NY Rangers, Chicago, Calgary, Seattle, Winnipeg and San Jose.

In the Second Draw, the winning Sharks were among five clubs still in contention to land the second overall pick after the first three balls had been drawn (11-4-3). The others were Vancouver, Chicago, NY Rangers and Seattle. A sixth club, Toronto, was still in contention to have one of its combinations chosen but its selection would have resulted in a re-draw, as the Maple Leafs had locked up the No. 1 position in the First Draw.

2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft

The NHL Draft returns to Buffalo for the first time in a decade with the Sabres set to host the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft on Friday, June 26 (Round 1: 7 p.m. ET on ESPN, ESPN+, Sportsnet, TVA Sports) and Saturday, June 27 (Rounds 2-7: 11 a.m. ET on NHL Network, ESPN+, Sportsnet) at KeyBank Center.

Tickets to the NHL Draft will be available for purchase tomorrow at 10 a.m. ET, here via Ticketmaster, the official ticketing partner of the NHL, on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. Ticketmaster is the official marketplace of the NHL, providing fans with peace of mind in knowing the seats they buy on Ticketmaster.com and the Ticketmaster app are the seats they’ll get.

Top Prospects and Scouting Combine

NHL Central Scouting has released its final rankings for the 2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft, where Penn State left wing Gavin McKenna tops the list of North America-based skaters and Frolunda (Swedish Hockey League) left wing Ivar Stenberg leads all international-based skaters.

For more information:

2026 NHL Draft Lottery media information guide

NHL Draft Lottery history at records.nhl.com

NHL Draft history at records.nhl.com

2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft prospect final rankings and profiles

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#NHLPeachy @NHL NHLPA, NHL Announce Team Payroll Range for 2026-27

The National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players’ Association announced today that the Team Payroll Range established for the 2026-27 League Year, pursuant to the Collective Bargaining Agreement, provides for a Lower Limit of $76.9 million, a Midpoint of $90.4 million and an Upper Limit of $104.0 million.

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#InauguralReview #OfftheHookatInletHarbor Since 2017 by #MikeSchaler #InletHarborRoad #PonceInlet #VolusiaCounty #Florida

Dining perfection is one pound of Alaskan Snow Crab Legs at Off the Hook at Inlet Harbor, in the world according to Peachy Deegan!  

If you get on the early morning flight out of JFK to DAB, this could be your lunch or dinner!

You have not lived until you have had Corvina here:

It's not who you know, it's WHOM YOU KNOW and we are absolutely thrilled to now know Mike Schaler, sole owner of the quintessential seafood mecca Off the Hook at Inlet Harbor and his daughter Courtney, General Manager! Unlike Manhattan, one must drive to get many restaurants in Florida and most definitely, you will drive to discover this excellence de poisson venue. As Vanilla Ice says, drive down A1A, Beachfront Avenue in Ponce Inlet, Volusia County and go inland to discover this waterfront gem on the Inlet waterway (see the conclusion of the post for the storied history of the venue and if you want to join the party on X follow him here; he and Peachy follow each other.)

Your initial reaction will be one of serene relaxation that you could never find in New York.

The hospitality is tops and everyone we have ever encountered at this hotspot has impeccable manners, and every element we saw was spotlessly clean.

We began with the Crab Cobb Salad, above which puts all other Cobb Salads to shame with its fabulous crabby addition! You can taste the succulent crab emanating freshness in every bite. Perfectly chopped romaine and iceberg lettuce along with chopped bacon, hard-boiled egg, tomato and avocado arrive in style with the crab. Normally, bleu cheese crumbles are part of this but if you have read us before, you know who does not care for bleu cheese and instead they substituted parmesan for Peachy.

A House Specialty, Seafood Cavatappi is a complete triumph and we firmly believe it is one of the very best menu items: a mixture of fresh clams, mussels, shrimp and scallops are sauteed in a fragrant light cream sauce with diced tomatoes and scallions, yielding a superior standout flavor that is both rich and elevated. Cavatappi pasta serves as the brilliant base.  This dish in particular is loved by locals we knew for years before we did this review and its stellar reputation is true: it is an absolute must on your visit to Off the Hook at Inlet Harbor.

If you are new to Whom You Know, you should know we never edit pictures.

You excel like Mike Schaler, or we do not publish.

The truth is all photography here is representative of what you will actually experience at Off the Hook at Inlet Harbor.

Seafood Cavatappi Glamour Shots

Under Burgers and Sandwiches you will discover Florida-fresh Fish Reuben and Fish Sandwich. As you know, Peachy is Irish and has extensively chronicled Corned Beef Reubens so this is a natural progression. Battered-to-order topped with melted swiss, coleslaw and thousand-island dressing, this Grouper perched majestically on toasted white bread. 

We cannot say enough about the CORVINA which we LOVE LOVE LOVED.

Even better was the fish sandwich made with Corvina, which boasted gorgeous depth of flavor. Corvina, a member of the Sea Bass family, is a deep sea fish sourced from the Fort Lauderdale area and we chose to have it blackened and we suggest you do the same. You may also order it fried or grilled. Normally these come with fries, onion rings or coleslaw but we substituted green salads, Caesar Salad and House Salad, respectively and they were exactly what we were looking for. Ms. I Hardly Like Anyone's Salad Dressing absolutely adored the Champagne Vinaigrette crafted at Off the Hook at Inlet Harbor.

Here's what Grok says about Corvina:

Corvina most commonly refers to a popular saltwater fish (from the drum/croaker family, Sciaenidae), prized in Latin American and coastal cuisines for its mild, sweet flavor and firm, flaky texture.

Key facts about Corvina fish

Appearance & taste: Pinkish raw flesh that turns white when cooked. It’s often compared to sea bass or snapper—lean, meaty, low in mercury, and versatile. It holds up well to grilling, pan-frying, baking, or ceviche.

Species: There are hundreds in the family, but the most common commercial ones in the U.S. come from the Pacific (Central/South America, Mexico, or Gulf waters). One specific type is Cilus gilberti (corvina drum).

Why it’s loved: Heart-healthy (high in protein and omega-3s), sustainable in many fisheries, and a staple in Peruvian/Brazilian/Colombian dishes like ceviche or fried fillets.

Many places do great Chicken Quesadillas, and that is an option here, however Shrimp Quesadillas captured our attention here with colby jack and all the usual suspects: jalapenos, tomato and green onion with their homemade salsa and warm flour tortilla. Off the Hook has a menu that incorporates sensational hits that will please even the pickiest of eaters so if you are the person that will pick Chicken in this Quesadilla, know there are lots of great choices for you too on the menu.

Obviously, you should concentrate on the Seafood Dinners section of the menu. Everyone knows that Florida is the peninsula state and Off the Hook at Inlet Harbor gets fish deliveries five days a week fresh from several vendors including Bar Harbor of Orlando and Oyster Co-op, a local vendor. Parmesean-encrusted Grouper in an eight-ounce portion was the Fresh Fish of the Day when we visited and it was a home run, especially with the two sides of fried brussel sprouts and baby red potatoes, sauteed in clarified butter.

Pan-Seared Sea Scallops from Cape Cod, Massachusetts we also heard calling our name and the winners from New Bedford said, "Enchante, Peachy!" as six perfect medallions waltzed in the elegant beurre blanc sauce. Onion rings and creamed spinach were solid sides.

Blackened Yellowfin Tuna Gnocci was the most inventive menu item we discovered in our inaugural professional visit. Seared raw yellowfin tuna arrives in premium style seared raw, intelligently and creatively contrasted with the accompanying asiago-filled potato gnocci sauteed in a delicious parmesan cream sauce.

The service is fantastic and Kadence the waitress impressed us in particular.

Of course, everything is made to order here.

The only thing casual might be your outfit because this is a highly professional spot in each and every way.  Off the Hook at Inlet Harbor takes excellence seriously.

Among the best dinners you can have anywhere is the pound of Alaskan Snow Crab served with of course a cracker and the right seafood fork. Every bite of the tender snow crab that you crack open is divine ecstasy and indulging in this superior seafood makes life worth living.  The melted butter was the perfect consistency and temperature.

In the course of doing this for seventeen years in Manhattan, we have never come close to finding Alaskan Snow Crab as superlative as this one at Off the Hook at Inlet Harbor.

Off the Hook at Inlet Harbor has impressed us tremendously and we cannot wait to see what they do next.  

https://offthehookatinletharbor.com/

https://www.instagram.com/offthehookinletharbor/

https://www.facebook.com/offthehookatinletharbor

133 Inlet Harbor Rd, Ponce Inlet, FL, United States, 32127

Their website tells us:

How We Became Off The Hook

“We would take the boat over to the Bahamas quite often for some serious fishing. I’d come back and try to figure out what to do with all the Tuna, Grouper and Snapper that we brought home. I never like to freeze the stuff! We’d have these giant parties. I had so much fish to share! We’d invite everyone we knew and tell them to bring as many people as they knew!

Seeing how people would react to the real deal, fish that was swimming pretty recently! It just was sort of the light bulb moment! I knew I wanted to share my passion for fishing with likeminded people as well as folks that just love seafood. I used to always say that everyone ought to be friends with a fisherman.” Off the Hook is really just an extension of that.

In 2010, that vision became a reality. “I remember the crazy looks I would get from some of our guests! It took a while for them to figure out what we were all about. I’d pull up to the front of the restaurant with the boat on a trailer and start offloading the catch. We’d have to bring it through the front of the store, right through the dining room! It was funny to see their reaction. After a while, it sort of became an event. Everyone would come out there and take pictures of the fish. We’d let them hold them. I really think they enjoyed the experience.

Most of the fishing pictures you see around the restaurants have the smiling faces of a lot of people that originally just came in here to get a good meal! It’s really nice to be able to share that part of it with the clientele. Things like that really create some memories for them, especially those not fortunate enough to live here year-round.

We hope you enjoy your Off the Hook experience. Let’s go fishing!

~Mike Schaler

Grok (the artificial intelligence of X by Elon Musk) tells us about the history of the location; we GROKED IT:

Inlet Harbor Road (often referred to simply as Inlet Road) in Ponce Inlet, Florida, is a short waterfront road leading to the Inlet Harbor Marina area near the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and the Intracoastal Waterway/Halifax River. It has long been tied to the town’s fishing and boating heritage, which dates back to fish camps in the late 1800s/early 1900s. However, the restaurants specifically located on Inlet Harbor Road itself are relatively modern and centered around the marina. There appear to have been only two primary ones over the decades, with limited turnover compared to other Ponce Inlet spots.

This is the main and most historic restaurant site on the road, directly at the Inlet Harbor Marina (a full-service marina with slips, fuel, and charters).

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#CleverPlates #CruisingPeachy @NHL #NHLPeachy PLAY HOCKEY!!!!!!! IT'S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR THE STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS!

 

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#NHLPeachy @NHL First Round Recap: 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs

The unpredictability that defines playoff hockey was on display in the First Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs as 82% of playing time had teams tied or separated by one goal, 29% of games featured the drama of sudden death overtime (13 of 45 GP) and six series required at least six games including a sixth straight year with a First Round Game 7. It will be a new-look Second Round as only two teams that were there last year advanced and, for the second time in four postseasons, neither team that made the last Stanley Cup Final will be part of round two.

TRENDS OF THE 2026 STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS

For the third time in five years, at least six of eight series in the First Round required six-plus games, including three that were tied 2-2 and one that went to Game 7.

Click here for more 2026 First Round Trends

* 89% of games were close games (40 of 45 GP), tied with 2024 for the highest rate for an opening round in Stanley Cup Playoffs history (“close games” are 1-goal margin of victory or 2+ with at least 1 empty-net goal).

* 82% of all playing time the score has been tied or separated by one goal, the highest rate at this stage in 74 years (tied).

* 29% of games have required overtime (13 of 45 GP) and for the fifth time in Stanley Cup Playoffs history, all eight series in the opening round had at least one overtime game (also 2023 R1, 2017 R1, 2013 CQF & 2001 CQF).

* There were 20 tying or go-ahead goals in the final 10 minutes of regulation, tied with 1983 (20) for the second most ever at that stage of a postseason (45 GP) behind 1989 (22).

NEW FACES, NEW PLACES DEFINED 2026 FIRST ROUND

Youth is served with the four youngest playoff rosters making it through to the Second Round (based on average age of each club’s 20-player roster for their playoff opener). It is just the fourth time in Stanley Cup Playoffs history that each of the four youngest clubs won a series, following 2012 (LAK, NSH, NYR & PHI), 1981 (MNS, EDM, NYR & BUF) and 1979 (NYI, PHI, NYR & PIT).

* In total, 80 players made their Stanley Cup Playoffs debut in the 2026 First Round – among the top 10 for most playoff debuts in any round in NHL history and the most in a 16-team postseason since 2018, when 80 players also debuted in the First Round (this skips the 2020 SCQ when 82 players debuted).

* Regardless of playoff experience, 45 players tallied their first career Stanley Cup Playoffs goal in the 2026 First Round – the most “first playoff goals” in a single round since 2014 (61 in R1) and tied for seventh most in any round in NHL history.

* Six teams that reached the 2026 Second Round were not there last year (ANA, BUF, COL, MIN, PHI & MTL). It’s the first time since 2019 that the Second Round will feature at least six clubs that weren’t there the year prior.

* Furthermore, four clubs advanced to end a wait of at least five seasons without a series win – the most ever in a single postseason: Buffalo (18 seasons; 2007), Minnesota (10 seasons; 2015), Anaheim (8 seasons; 2017) and Philadelphia (5 seasons; 2020). Adding Montreal (4 seasons; 2021) to the mix, it marked the second time ever that five clubs broke a series win drought of four or more seasons in the same playoff year (6 in 2020: 5 in SCQ, 1 in R1).

AVALANCHE, HURRICANES SHOW WHY THEY FINISHED TOP 2

The top two teams from the regular season and the only clubs to hold a playoff spot for the entire campaign were perfect in the First Round as the Avalanche and Hurricanes combined for an unprecedented feat by both claiming 4-0 series wins – something that had never been done in the same round by the League’s No. 1 and No. 2-ranked clubs since all rounds went to best-of-seven in 1987. Both allowed a League-low five goals against in the First Round but the margin of error was slim in both sweeps: the Hurricanes and Senators were within a goal of each other for 94% of total playing time (second most in the 2026 First Round) and the Avalanche had a multi-goal lead for only 30:19 until the third period of Game 4.

* Led by 2025-26 NHL Awards winners Nathan MacKinnon and Scott Wedgewood, Colorado became the seventh Presidents’ Trophy winners to sweep in the opening round. Award winners will be a theme of their Second Round matchup as well, with reigning Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar and 2024-25 recipient Quinn Hughes set to square off after each player netted the series-clinching goal in the opening round.

Click here for more #NHLStats about Colorado

* Led by Logan Stankoven and Frederik Andersen, the Hurricanes built a 2-0 series lead in their first best-of-seven for the sixth straight playoff year and never trailed in a game en route to becoming the third team in NHL history to win a series in eight straight years.

Click here for more #NHLStats about Carolina

A SNAPSHOT OF OTHER TEAMS ON TO ROUND 2

* Sparked by early contributions from 19-year-old Porter Martone and balanced scoring with 14 Flyers netting a goal – the most ever for the club through six playoff games – the last Eastern Conference club to clinch a playoff spot pulled ahead 3-0 in the First Round. A team that fell out of the playoff bracket Jan. 13 and didn’t jump back in until April 5 (with five games left in their season), Philadelphia held on to claim its first “Battle of Pennsylvania” series win since 2012 and set up the first-ever playoff meeting with Carolina, the team the Flyers beat to clinch a playoff spot in game No. 81 this season.

Click here for more #NHLStats about Philadelphia

* A record-setting round included Kirill Kaprizov becoming the career playoff goals leader for Minnesota, Quinn Hughes setting a franchise record for points in one series by a defenseman and Jesper Wallstedt becoming the first rookie goaltender to be credited with a series-clinching win for the Wild, who have now claimed each of their five series wins as the lower seed.

Click here for more #NHLStats about Minnesota

* In a series that came down to a winner-take-all contest, rookie netminder Jakub Dobes stopped all but one shot in the deciding contest to help the Canadiens win three consecutive Game 7s for the third time in franchise history (also 2021 R1 & 2014 R2), while Dobes became the fifth rookie goaltender in franchise history to win a Game 7. Montreal and Tampa Bay combined for the third series in NHL history that featured seven one-goal games, following the Rangers-Capitals (7 GP in 2015 R2) and Bruins-Capitals (7 GP in 2012 CQF).

Click here for more #NHLStats about Montreal

TEAM USA COULD GO ALL THE WAY

Six of the eight remaining teams have at least one member of Team USA’s gold medal entry at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 (ANA, BUF, CAR, COL, MIN & VGK). A snapshot of some of the top performers from that team in the First Round:

* Jackson LaCombe (1-8—9) notched the primary assist on Anaheim’s series-clinching goal and led all defensemen in points during the First Round. LaCombe, who was part of the Team USA roster but did not play, established Ducks records for assists and points by a defenseman in one series and tied the all-time NHL mark for most points by a defenseman in his first career playoff series.

Click here for more #NHLStats about Anaheim

* Matt Boldy (6-3—9) shared the NHL lead with six goals in the First Round (one shy of the single-series franchise record) and teammate Quinn Hughes (2-6—8) tallied 2-1—3 in Game 6 including the go-ahead, series-clinching goal with 9:22 remaining in the third period – part of a record-setting round for Hughes as noted above. Brock Faber (3-3—6) tied for the NHL lead among defensemen with three goals, a franchise record for one series by a defenseman.

* Tage Thompson (2-5—7) paced Buffalo in assists and tied for the team lead in points during his first taste of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Thompson’s performance was highlighted by crucial multi-point showings in both the series opener (2-1—3, all in the last 10 minutes of Game 1) – when the club rallied from a 2-0 deficit in the final eight minutes of regulation – and series clincher (0-2—2, both in the first 13 minutes of Game 6).

Click here for more #NHLStats about Buffalo

* Jack Eichel (1-8—9) matched his own club record for assists in one series (also 8 in 2023 SCF) and had at least one point in Games 2-6 to help Vegas claim its 13th series win since joining the League in 2017-18. Noah Hanifin led Golden Knights blueliners with five points, including an assist on the series-clinching goal.

Click here for more #NHLStats about Vegas

* The others in contention to win both a gold medal and Stanley Cup this season are Jaccob Slavin (CAR) and Brock Nelson (COL).

RECORD RATINGS AND MORE STATS FROM THE FIRST ROUND

The most-watched Stanley Cup Playoffs on record in the U.S. through the first 12 days (through Wednesday, April 29) averaging 1.16 million viewers, up 81% from the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs to date (ESPN/ABC/TNT/TBS/TRU). It marks the highest average viewership for the first 12 days of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on record. An update to First Round numbers will be provided Tuesday, May 5; RSN viewership data not included. A few more highlights from the opening round:

* Alex Tuch (4-3—7), who cheered for the Sabres while growing up in upstate N.Y., led or co-led the team in goals (4) and points (7) and tied the franchise benchmark for game-winning goals in one series (2).

* Jason Robertson scored in each of his first five games and passed Steve Payne (4 GP in 1981) for the longest postseason-opening run in Stars/North Stars history, while also tying Payne (5 GP in 1981) and Milan Marcetta (5 GP in 1968) for the longest goal streak at any point in a playoff year by a Stars/North Stars skater.

* Anze Kopitar received a standing ovation from fans, players and officials at Crypto.com Arena following the final game of his decorated career. Kopitar then spoke to media while being flanked by his children Neza and Jakob, who he plans to spend more time with as a full-time dad.

* Sidney Crosby tallied 1-4—5 to overtake Jaromir Jagr for sole possession of fifth place for points in Stanley Cup Playoffs history during his 13th postseason skating alongside Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang.

* The Golden Knights had three third-period comeback wins, tied for the most by one team in a series in Stanley Cup Playoffs history.

EIGHT TEAMS REMAIN

The eight remaining teams account for just two of the last 18 Stanley Cup wins as well as eight of the last 45 dating to 1980. Aside from Montreal, the all-time leader with 23 championships since the NHL’s founding (but none since 1993), the seven other teams have a collection of only eight Stanley Cup wins all-time (COL: 3; PHI: 2; VGK: 1; ANA: 1; CAR: 1; BUF: 0; MIN: 0).

* This is the second time in four postseasons and 10th instance since 1987 (when all four series went to best-of-seven) where neither team that reached the previous Stanley Cup Final advanced beyond the opening round (also 2023, 2019, 2012, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2004, 2003 & 1994).

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#NHLPeachy @NHL Bracket Busted? Fans Can Start Fresh with the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Second Chance Bracket presented by Expedia More than 1.3M Brackets Submitted in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Bracket Challenge presented by Expedia

Stanley Cup Playoffs Second Chance Bracket Now Open

Close games and surprising outcomes have busted brackets in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Bracket Challenge presented by Expedia. Now, fans can have a fresh start with the Stanley Cup Playoffs Second Chance Bracket presented by Expedia. Fans can now submit a new bracket at NHL.com/Bracket with their predictions for the remainder of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Brackets will be locked at the start of the first Game 2 of the Second Round. The winner of the Second Chance Bracket will have the chance to win a $1,000 NHL Shop Gift Code. Original brackets submitted in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Bracket Challenge presented by Expedia are still eligible for the grand prize – the opportunity to attend a 2026-27 NHL event and an Adventure Chrono 41mm NHL Limited Edition watch by Norqain.

Hockey fans submitted approximately 1.33 million brackets in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs Bracket Challenge presented by Expedia, an increase from last season. Fans were tasked with predicting the winner of each series through the Stanley Cup Final as well as the number of games for each First Round series.

The full breakdown of fan selections to win the Stanley Cup Championship based on early bracket submissions, in order (teams in italics have been eliminated):

Champion Selected % of Total

Colorado Avalanche 34.8%

Edmonton Oilers 12.8%

Carolina Hurricanes 7.8%

Montreal Canadiens 7.5%

Dallas Stars 6.7%

Minnesota Wild 6.5%

Buffalo Sabres 5.6%

Tampa Bay Lightning 5.5%

Pittsburgh Penguins 3.5%

Vegas Golden Knights 2.5%

Boston Bruins 2.0%

Philadelphia Flyers 1.3%

Ottawa Senators 1.2%

Utah Mammoth 0.8%

Anaheim Ducks 0.8%

LA Kings 0.7%

All prizes are subject to confirmation of eligibility and compliance with winner notification requirements, and tiebreaker rules apply in the event of a tie. There is no purchase necessary to participate in the Bracket Challenge. For Official Rules, visit NHL.com/Bracket.

NHL, the NHL Shield and the word mark and image of the Stanley Cup are registered trademarks and the Stanley Cup Playoffs logo and Stanley Cup Playoffs Bracket Challenge name and logo are trademarks of the National Hockey League. NHL and NHL team marks are the property of the NHL and its teams. © 2026 NHL. All Rights Reserved.

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#SportyPeachy @JenniferSey @xx_xyathletics XX-XY Athletics Marks Two Years of Cultural Impact and Business Growth for Women's Sports

Two years ago, a former national gymnastics champion left a corporate career to start a brand built on a simple, defiant idea: women’s sports are worth fighting for. Today, XX-XY Athletics—founded by Jennifer Sey—marks its second anniversary as the most culturally disruptive brand in American sports, with more than 20 viral campaigns, over 100,000 products sold and a positive shift in the national conversation on fairness in women’s athletics.

In just 24 months, XX-XY Athletics has done what far larger companies struggle to do: reach millions without paid media. The brand secured roughly 75 million views across social platforms, including the “Real Girls Rock” campaign (40M+ views) and the “Dear Nike” series (10M+ views).

"XX-XY Athletics is more than a business—it’s a cultural disruptor," said Jennifer Sey, Founder and CEO. "The other side has movies, music, and massive ad budgets. We have a clear point of view and creative that touches hearts. That is the power of this brand.”

With 300,000 followers and support from J.K. Rowling, Martina Navratilova, Riley Gaines, Bill Ackman, Rob Schneider, James Woods, and more, the brand—built around the voices of female athletes—consistently scores viral wins.

The brand’s cultural reach translates to real-world presence. XX-XY Athletics appeared at the White House for the signing of an Executive Order protecting women’s sports, the steps of the Supreme Court, and the sidelines at the US Open. It now works with more than 370 athletes—from Olympians to college competitors—calling for fair competition.

Beyond competition, XX-XY Athletics supports NIL deals, works to prevent athlete abuse, and champions causes women in sport care about most.

XX-XY Athletics generated millions in revenue across 38 countries, with nearly 50,000 orders, 4,000 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, and a return rate under 5%. Its logo products have become symbols of the movement, including a Title IX capsule collection with Riley Gaines that sold out within a week.

The brand faced challenges including a recent suspension from advertising on Meta. Sey responded directly, driving a surge of customer support. The company’s ecommerce list has grown 20% this year, fueled entirely by organic momentum.

As policy debates intensify nationwide, XX-XY Athletics is focused on ensuring culture keeps pace.

As it enters its third year, the brand plans to expand into new sports categories, deepen athlete partnerships, and continue producing mass-reach content to drive lasting change for women athletes.

For more information, visit www.xx-xyathletics.com or follow @xx_xyathletics on social media.

About XX-XY Athletics. XX-XY Athletics is the only brand standing up for women’s sports.

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#SportyPeachy @BrightView #PeachyontheLinks BrightView’s Sports and Golf Portfolios Continue to Expand

America’s premier sporting events turn to BrightView to deliver safer, higher-performing playing fields and golf courses

A BrightView team member prepares a soccer pitch for international competition, supporting world-class playing conditions for events such as the FIFA World Cup.

BrightView (NYSE: BV), the nation’s leading commercial landscaping company, continues to expand its Sports and Golf portfolios, with its work increasingly showcased at high-profile sporting events across the United States and around the world.

BrightView’s expertise spans some of the most recognizable venues and competitions in sports, from Major League Baseball’s Field of Dreams and London Series to FIFA World Cup and Major League Soccer pitches, Division I collegiate athletics complexes, high school playing fields, and premier golf courses and resorts.

The company serves as the Official Field Consultant of Major League Baseball and has been involved in more than 200 international games across 11 countries, including the recently completed World Baseball Classic.

“To be trusted to manage the playing surfaces for so many world-class sporting events and facilities is truly an honor and privilege,” said Murray Cook, President of BrightView’s Sports division. “The athletes who compete on these fields are among the best in their sport, and they deserve conditions that are safe, consistent, and second to none. We’re proud to deliver that level of excellence at the highest level of competition.”

Recent notable sports and golf projects include:Designed and constructed MLB’s Speedway Classic baseball diamond inside Bristol Motor Speedway

Converted SoFi Stadium field for the 2025 Club World Cup, with preparations underway for the 2026 World Cup

Built soccer pitches for San Diego FC’s new training facility

Installed new baseball, women’s soccer, and lacrosse fields at University of Southern California

Renovated outdoor football practice fields at University of Nebraska

Secured new golf course maintenance contracts with Country Club of Miami and Lake Arrowhead (CA) Country Club

Restored the historic Redlands (CA) Country Club golf course

Expanded golf course management portfolio with The Villages®

“Being a leader in golf course maintenance further strengthens our overall turf portfolio and directly impacts the golfer experience,” said Terry McGuire, BrightView’s Vice President, Golf Operations, which oversees almost 80 golf courses throughout the U.S. “Clubs choose BrightView because they expect exceptional quality and consistency for their members and guests, and we take great pride in delivering on that expectation.”

While Sports and Golf Course Maintenance frequently draw national attention, BrightView’s comprehensive capabilities across the full landscape lifecycle – including design and development, maintenance and enhancements, tree care, irrigation, and snow and ice management – are what set the company apart as America’s premier commercial landscape provider.

About BrightView:

BrightView (NYSE: BV), the nation’s largest commercial landscaper, proudly designs, creates, and maintains the best landscapes on Earth and provides the most efficient and comprehensive snow and ice removal services. With a dependable service commitment, BrightView brings brilliant landscapes to life at premier properties across the United States, including business parks and corporate offices, homeowners' associations, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, retail centers, resorts and theme parks, municipalities, golf courses, and sports venues. BrightView also serves as the Official Field Consultant to Major League Baseball. Through industry-leading best practices and sustainable solutions, BrightView is invested in taking care of our team members, engaging our clients, inspiring our communities, and preserving our planet. Visit www.BrightView.com 

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A Peachy's Pick, Delmonico’s Hospitality Group Appoints Adam Plitt as Executive Chef and Secures Midtown Location for New Delmonico’s Restaurant

Delmonico's SINCE 1837

THEN & NOW

Delmonico’s Hospitality Group (DHG), a leader in New York City’s dining and hospitality scene,  announced the appointment of Adam Plitt as Executive Chef, alongside the securing of a new restaurant space in Midtown Manhattan that will debut as a second Delmonico’s location, marking a significant milestone in the continued evolution and expansion of the legendary hospitality group.

Delmonico’s Hospitality Group appoints Adam Plitt as Executive Chef; secures new restaurant space in Midtown Manhattan that will debut as a second Delmonico’s location

Chef Plitt brings a distinguished background in luxury dining, operational excellence, and culinary leadership to Delmonico’s Hospitality Group. In his role, he will oversee the culinary vision and operations across the group’s growing portfolio, which includes the iconic Delmonico’s, one of America’s most storied dining establishments, as well as TUCCI NYC and Boogie Lab Bakery & Bistro, which is slated to open in the Washington Heights area of NYC in spring 2026.

Earlier in his career, Plitt served as Chef de Cuisine at Le Bernardin, where he played a key leadership role during the period in which the restaurant earned and maintained its Michelin stars. His tenure at the globally acclaimed restaurant helped shape his approach to fine dining, team development, and world-class kitchen operations. He later served as Director of Operations for Ripert Consulting, supporting food and beverage initiatives for Ritz-Carlton properties, before becoming Executive Chef at Morris County Golf Club, where he transformed the culinary program and established the operation as a benchmark for excellence.

“Adam is a proven leader with the rare ability to honor tradition while pushing and elevating culinary programs forward,” shared Dennis Turcinovic, owner and executive culinary partner of Delmonico’s Hospitality Group. “His experience at the very highest level of fine dining, combined with his operational discipline and passion for mentoring teams, makes him the ideal chef to help lead Delmonico’s Hospitality Group into its next chapter. We are thrilled to welcome him to the group.”

In tandem with Plitt’s appointment, Delmonico’s Hospitality Group also announced that it has secured a new restaurant location at 1330 Avenue of the Americas, following a long-term lease arrangement secured through Newmark Group, Inc. The high-profile Midtown Manhattan space (11,735 sq. ft.) will become the home of a new Delmonico’s restaurant, bringing the brand’s signature approach to American fine dining and steakhouse hospitality to the heart of Midtown.

“As new steakhouses and restaurant concepts continue to open across Midtown, what sets Delmonico’s apart is something few competitors can claim – nearly two centuries of New York culinary history and a deep understanding of the city’s dining culture,” said Turcinovic. “New York doesn’t need another generic steakhouse. Delmonico’s was born here, we’re not a national chain entering the market, we helped define it. For nearly 200 years, Delmonico’s has been part of the city’s culinary fabric, and this new restaurant will build on that legacy while offering a fresh interpretation of the Delmonico’s experience for today’s Midtown audience.”

Founded in 1837, Delmonico's is widely recognized as America’s first fine-dining restaurant and the birthplace of several iconic dishes, including Eggs Benedict, Lobster Newberg, and the legendary Delmonico Steak.

The new Midtown location positions Delmonico’s Hospitality Group at the center of Manhattan’s business, tourism, and cultural corridors, reinforcing the group’s long-standing commitment to New York City while expanding the reach of one of the most celebrated names in American dining.

Together, the appointment of Chef Plitt and the securing of the new Midtown location underscore Delmonico’s Hospitality Group’s forward-looking vision—investing in exceptional talent and iconic spaces to ensure the enduring relevance of one of the most celebrated names in American dining.

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