EA Sports NHL 27 Review - Console Creatures

How can I not go with Auston Matthews after he's cashed this play for us in two straight games? He's clearly on another level now that he's healthy, and his shooting percentage (40%) is among the league's best on the man advantage. When Matthews is shooting, he's hitting twine - he has four goals across his last three games as a result. Let's pot one more against this stingy Islanders defense. I'm loving William Nylander's shot volume right now, as the Leafs winger has registered at least three shots on goal in four consecutive games. He's averaging 6.5 shot attempts per contest, the 23rd-highest mark in the NHL, giving us plenty of reason to believe his hot streak can continue. With the Islanders playing an undisciplined brand of hockey, watch for Willy on the power play to drive us over the line.

It’s been a while, but Gavin McKenna is trying to focus on his next shift. Luke Fox has more on how the 18-year-old is handling his benching in Thursday's loss to the Sabres.

Published: October 17, 2026 at 12:28p.m. EDTTORONTO — The Toronto Raptors waived five players on Saturday and converted centre Nate Bittle’s deal to a two-way contract. The seven-foot native of Central Point, Ore., averaged a team-high 16.8 points and 6.9 rebounds over 25 games last season as a fifth-year senior at Oregon. Forward Tyson Degenhart, centre Jamarion Sharp and guards Nimari Burnett, Jalen Celestine and Tyreke Key were waived, the NBA team said in a news release. The Raptors will begin their regular season on Wednesday night against the visiting Chicago Bulls. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 17, 2026. The Canadian Press