Round 2: The Grind

EPISODE 13: "Round 2: The Grind" The postseason pressure is mounting, the ice is thinning, and the lottery balls have finally stopped rolling. This week on the Happy Hour Playbook, Chris and Wes break down a massive slate of sports news—from the Wizards hitting the jackpot to the NHL and NBA "Grind" of the second round. We also take a moment to toast a Vikings legend and look ahead to the NFL schedule release. Segment 1: Happy Hour Pour Featured Spirit: K. Luke 100 Proof Straight Bourbon Whiskey We’re cracking open a bottle from Kevin and Luke Neighbors. This "blender’s brand" is all about the art of the profile. The Vibe: Bold, high-character, and non-chill filtered for a rich, "chewy" mouthfeel. The Specs: 100 Proof (50% ABV), Small Batch Straight Bourbon. The Verdict: Both Chris and Wes give it a Playoff Worthy 🏆 rating. It’s a premium pour that belongs on the big stage. Segment 2: NHL Playoffs Update We are deep in the second round, and the bracket is a battlefield. Western Conference: Colorado leads Minnesota 2-1 (Game 4 tonight!), while Vegas and Anaheim are deadlocked at 2-2. Eastern Conference: The Carolina Hurricanes have officially punched their ticket to the Finals with a 4-0 sweep of the Flyers. Meanwhile, Montreal holds a 2-1 lead over top-seeded Buffalo. Segment 3: NBA Playoffs & The Draft Lottery The Grind: OKC is on the verge of a sweep against the Lakers (up 3-0), while the Wolves and Spurs are in a 2-2 dogfight. In the East, the Knicks are already through (4-0), waiting for the winner of Cavs/Pistons. The Jackpot: The Washington Wizards have secured the #1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft! We discuss why AJ Dybantsa (BYU) is the consensus prize and look back at the Wizards' hit-or-miss history with the top pick (John Wall vs. Kwame Brown). Segment 4: NFL Offseason & Milestone Moves All Day in the Ring: The Vikings announce Adrian Peterson will be inducted into the Ring of Honor. We revisit the staggering stats of the last non-QB to win MVP. Market Shifts: Chris Boswell becomes the joint-highest-paid kicker, David Njoku heads to the Chargers, and Breece Hall signs a massive 3-year extension ($45.75M) with the Jets. Schedule Watch: The full 2026 NFL schedule drops this Thursday, May 14th! Segment 5: Happy Hour Locks We close out the show with our best bets for tonight’s NBA and NHL action. Will the Thunder finish the sweep? Can the Wild even the series on home ice? "From the lottery luck in DC to the grit on the ice, the grind never stops. Keep it real and keep it rolling." Connect with the Playbook: Socials: @HappyHourPlaybook (IG, TikTok, FB, YouTube) Listen: Spotify & Apple Podcasts