CHICAGO – The roiling, dark skies above Chicago flashed with lightning Friday evening. Incredibly, it was sunny around the Vancouver Canucks.
Blue-sky days have been rarer than wins for the Canucks this season. But the merciful passing of Friday’s National Hockey League trade deadline allowed the rain to pause above the Canucks, who took advantage of the break in the weather to beat the Chicago Blackhawks 6-3 in the first game of the rest of their season.
After the strain of this dismal season for the Canucks and the stifling stress of deadline week, when virtually all of their experienced players were mentioned in trade conjecture, and three – Tyler Myers, Conor Garland and David Kampf – were dealt elsewhere for draft picks, there was an obvious lightness around the team.
Judging by the boisterous cheers rolling into the hallway outside their dressing room at the United Center after the game, there was some honest-to-goodness joy, too.
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“You could feel before the game that guys were just kind of, you know, excited to play and I think looking forward to the rest of the way here, just knowing this is the group we’re going with,” veteran winger Drew O’Connor said. “It felt good, kind of a weight off our shoulders.
“It was a stressful week. It’s kind of the first time I’ve been a part of it where you didn’t really know who was going to go and who was going to stay, and it was difficult. I think it was difficult on all of us leading up to this week. We lost some guys that have been here a long time and meant a lot to the organization, so that’s difficult. At same time, I think it’s a bit of a relief now that we know what our group is. We’ve got to move forward and try to build something. It was really nice to get the win tonight.”
The Canucks will meet their newest player, waiver pickup Curtis Douglas, Saturday in Winnipeg before Vancouver plays for the second time in less than 24 hours. Maybe the rain will be back, but not the storm.
They have some emotional clarity and some freedom now to just go play the final quarter of their season, even if it starts with them hopelessly last in the NHL standings.
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Dangled as trade rentals since November, free-agent-eligible Canucks Teddy Blueger and Evander Kane were not jettisoned on Friday. General manager Patrik Allvin said he received no offers for them. He did, however, wrangle sixth-round picks from the Washington Capitals and Boston Bruins for Kampf and minor-leaguer Lukas Reichel, respectively.
“Yeah, a little bit,” Blueger smiled about three hours after taking the opening faceoff. “Nothing has changed with me wanting to be here and be a part of this group. I haven’t been here that long, but I feel like we’ve been through a lot of ups and downs with guys like Fil (Chytil) and Demmer (Thatcher Demko) and Brock (Boeser). You feel like you get close with guys when you go through stuff, both the ups and the downs. And as a person, I value loyalty, so that is something that definitely plays a role with me.”
Allvin has left open the possibility of the Canucks circling back on Blueger and seeing what it might cost to bring him back next season. Kane is gone – but not yet. Management’s plan is to have him finish the season in the NHL with the Canucks before the 34-year-old embarks on free agency.
Other veterans whose names had been cast on social media like breadcrumbs to pigeons this week, like Boeser, O’Connor, Jake DeBrusk, and Elias Pettersson, survived the deadline.
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“Every time that deadline is done . . . there’s definitely a sense of relief,” DeBrusk said. “You know where you are; you don’t have to question anything. Obviously, there were some guys that didn’t know . . . and we lost some troops as well. So it’s a tough day.
“I don’t know if I agree with playing on the trade deadline day itself. Guys didn’t nap today (waiting for the deadline to pass). They (the Blackhawks) lost their captain, Nick Foligno. You’re looking at everything going on and, you know, obviously other guys in different positions are probably doing the same thing. (But) we have a job to do, and that’s what it is.”
The Canucks did the job Friday better than the Blackhawks, who traded their captain to the Minnesota Wild so the Foligno brothers, Marcus and Nick, can try and win a Stanley Cup together.
Boeser scored twice for the Canucks, capping the team’s third win in 24 games with an empty-netter. Fittingly, O’Connor, DeBrusk and Blueger all scored. Max Sasson also scored into an empty net while goalie Nikita Tolopilo, who stopped 20 of 23 shots, made his best saves at pivotal moments.
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“Yeah, it’s so hard,” Boeser said of losing Myers and Garland this week. “Some of my closest friends over the years. It sucks. We kind of knew it was coming (but) we didn’t know who was going to go. We’ve got to make sure we’re looking forward now and really start to build this thing up.
“It’s nice to get (the deadline) past and now we can just focus on some better hockey.”
Mired in a poor season personally, like so many Canucks, Boeser suddenly has six goals in his last 11 games and is up to 15 goals for the season – two behind team leader, Kiefer Sherwood, who was traded to the San Jose Sharks on Jan. 19.
“I’ll catch him,” Boeser smiled.
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He said it was “crazy” how few Canucks remain from the team that went two rounds deep in the Stanley Cup Playoffs less than two years ago.
“Someone posted the lineup of our playoff series against Edmonton, and how much has changed in just two years,” Blueger said. “Such a short period of time. Obviously, that’s not ideal, but that’s how it goes sometimes.”
The transaction Friday that will have the most immediate impact on the Canucks was the waiver claim of Douglas from the Tampa Bay Lightning. He is a six-foot-nine forward who has 92 penalty minutes (and two assists) in 29 games this season.
“With our young guys in the lineup … I want the players to feel safe,” Allvin explained. “I don’t want them to get beaten up. And we’ve been looking for a player like this with more size, physicality. So when he was available here … we felt that would be a good fit for us.”
Jai Opetaia is set to lose his IBF cruiserweight title if he goes ahead with a fight against Brandon Glanton on Sunday.
Opetaia is scheduled to fight Glanton for the inaugural Zuffa Boxing World Cruiserweight title but the IBF said it has “withdrawn sanction of the optional defence” for its belt.
The IBF said that it had initially approved the bout as Opetaia’s team had told them the Zuffa Boxing fight in Las Vegas would not be a unification bout and that any belt awarded would be “characterised as a trophy or token of recognition”.
However, it added that following a news conference on Friday, it was “made it clear that the Zuffa World Cruiserweight title would still be contested” and, as the IBF does not recognise Zuffa Boxing, it was now an unsanctioned fight.
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“For the purpose of unification of titles, the preeminent champions of the World Boxing Association (WBA), the World Boxing Council (WBC), and the World Boxing Organization (WBO) may be designated as ‘elite contenders’ and may be permitted to fight for the unified title,” said the IBF in a statement.
It added: “An unsanctioned contest is a fight which the IBF has not formally approved for sanction or where sanction has been formally withdrawn.
“If a champion participates in an unsanctioned contest within his prescribed weight limit, the title will be declared vacant whether the champion wins or loses the bout.”
Australian Opetaia, 30, also holds the Ring cruiserweight title.
Nov 29, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Avieon Terrell (8) celebrates a play against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
We are well into NFL mock draft season, with the 2026 draft now under eight weeks away. It’s still fairly early, but it’s worth noting what the various media outlets think when it comes to Vikings mock drafts.
Mock drafts usually focus on the first round, but some go as far as the third round. When looking at the popular choices for the Vikings, I want to focus only on the 18th overall pick the Vikings own in the first round.
The Prospects Most Often Slotted to Minnesota at Pick No. 18
The Vikings’ choices at 18 have almost exclusively been on the offensive side of the ball. There have been a few exceptions: Oregon TE Kenyon Sidiq’s name popping up in early drafts, and Notre Dame RB Jeremiah Love, but he is almost a consensus top-10 pick at this point and out of the Vikings’ range.
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Clemson Tigers cornerback Avieon Terrell (8) celebrates after stopping a fake punt attempt by Troy Trojans Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025 during the NCAA football game at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, South Carolina.
For the most part, the analysts have looked to improve the Vikings’ secondary, though some have looked to strengthen up front with an interior defensive lineman. Their story is the same here at Vikings Territory, where a CB has been selected three times and a DT twice in our mock drafts to date.
Two names have been very popular to date, and they are Toledo S Emmanuel McNeill-Warren and Clemson CB Aveion Terrell. Around the 18th pick has the range for Terrell in mock drafts, and he was the early favourite for the latest first-round pick to land in Minnesota. Terrell to the Vikings has cooled off a bit in recent weeks, with many experts turning to safety as the Vikings’ route. McNeill-Warren has been a big favorite in recent mocks, with his draft stock rising, but there is a contender to take his place.
Dillon Thieneman’s draft stock is taking a huge boost from an impressive display at the combine. I suspect there will be a lot of sending him to Minnesota in mocks between now and the draft, as many see him as the perfect Harrison Smith replacement. Thienemen, McNeill-Warren, and Terrell are all for the bill of a Brian Flores-type player in the secondary, so it’s not a great surprise that these are the names mostly linked with the Vikings.
Sep 27, 2025; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) reacts after defeating the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
Another name that has cropped up a lot is Tennessee CB Jerod McCoy. A fully healthy McCoy is being selected right near the top of the draft, such is the ability he has shown. However, after missing the 2025 season due to a torn ACL, he didn’t perform on-field drills at the combine. The doubts over his health could lead him to slide to the Vikings at 18.
My Personal Favorite
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While many are looking to the secondary, I am a big advocate of strengthening the trenches first. My personal favorite pick is Florida DT Caleb Banks, and he has shown up on a few mock drafts to date. He is another who had an impressive combine, helping boost his mock draft.
If there were doubts about Banks being a good value pick at 18, those were somewhat alleviated as he proved the foot injury that disrupted his 2025 season is behind him. Banks has the potential to be a game-wrecker for the Vikings on the interior, helping make all levels of the defense better.
The Other Names Being Sent to the Vikings
Some other names have popped up in mock drafts. Most notably, three cornerbacks, Colton Hood, Brandon Cisse, and Mansour Delane. All three have the potential to be a good fit in Minnesota, but most don’t see it happening at 18th overall. Delane is generally off the board well before 18, and that would be the expectation come draft day.
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Aug 31, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Donavon Greene (3) tries to make a one handed catch behind South Carolina Gamecocks defensive back Brandon Cisse (15) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
On the other hand, Hood and Cisse are generally looked at as late first and early second round options. Of course, there is always the potential for the Vikings to trade either up or down in the draft. After an impressive combine, Hood is another whose draft stock is on the rise and could come into play for the Vikings at 18.
Will it be one of these names for the Vikings at 18? There’s a good chance it will be, but the landscape of the Vikings’ roster will change as we head into the start of free agency, which can drastically alter perceived draft plans.
Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.
Most fans would say it’s the second most exciting time of the offseason — behind April’s draft — as free agency gets underway next week. The Minnesota Vikings won’t have much money to spend compared to the last two offseasons, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be silent. It’s time to get some predictions on record.
Our last pre-free-agency forecast touches quarterback, tight end, and bargain defensive help.
Minnesota is led by interim general manager Rob Brzezinski, who will hold the title indefinitely and perhaps permanently.
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VikingsTerritory’s Main Predictions for the Roster Dominoes
Our final forecast for Vikings free agency.
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) celebrates after scoring a fourth-quarter touchdown against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Nov 27, 2023. Hockenson pumped his arms and acknowledged the crowd following the scoring play that helped Minnesota extend its momentum late in the NFC North matchup. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
1. T.J. Hockenson Will Take a Pay Cut
Fans have wondered about Hockenson’s fate beyond 2025 from the moment it became apparent that his receiving production dipped. The Vikings used him as a blocking tight end last season because the offensive line couldn’t stay healthy, and when he did command passing targets, well, J.J. McCarthy didn’t really target him.
Minnesota won’t release Hockenson, nor will it trade him. It will rip up his current deal altogether and give Hockenson a new contract, reflecting an honest-to-goodness paycut.
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He’ll be back as the TE1 in 2026.
2. Asante Samuel Jr. Is the Main CB Addition
Adding Asante Samuel Jr. alongside Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers would give the Vikings the cornerback depth necessary to avoid feeling pressured to draft for the position this April.
Samuel Jr. almost signed with the Vikings last year, even meeting with the team before ultimately joining the Pittsburgh Steelers. While in Pittsburgh, he played under defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander, who recently replaced Daronte Jones in Minnesota.
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This connection, combined with Mike Tomlin’s departure from Pittsburgh, could lead to Samuel Jr. signing a two-year deal with the Vikings for around $11 million.
Steelers-themed media seems to want Samuel Jr. back in 2026, a sign that he’s the real deal.
SteelersDepot‘sMatthew Marzi noted on Samuel Jr. this week, “On paper, it would sure be nice if it all worked out. If the Steelers pair Asante Samuel with Joey Porter, they could have a strong pair that can grow together. Samuel is still 26 years old even with five seasons under his belt, so he could easily have another half a decade in him.”
“He may not be the best cornerback to which they might have access this offseason, but factoring in price, is Asante Samuel the Steelers’ most ideal option at cornerback? He did play over 200 snaps for them last year, so it’s not like they didn’t get a look. Even with a new coaching staff, the tape is still the tape. And Mike Tomlin is a phone call away if they need a second opinion.”
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3. Harrison Smith Returns for Year No. 15
Why hasn’t Smith filed the retirement papers? C.J. Ham already did it. So did Adam Thielen.
Probably knowing that an efficient quarterback is on the way — more on that momentarily — Smith will once again return to Minnesota. He has a hard time walking away when he knows he can produce at a commendable clip. The Vikings can still pursue a safety of the future — like Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman — but Smith will ride again. One last time, though we’ve written “one last time” every year since the start of 2023.
4. Kyler Murray, It is
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Murray’s somewhat unexpected release has significantly altered the NFL quarterback landscape. Following Arizona’s decision to release him (shortly after the Cardinals ranked last in the NFLPA ownership survey), teams should flood his agent with interest.
The opportunity to acquire a quarterback of his caliber for a minimal investment is enticing; quarterbacks with Murray’s credentials — a No. 1 overall draft selection and career efficiency statistics surpassing those of Trevor Lawrence and Baker Mayfield — rarely become free agents.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) surveys the field during second-half action against the Houston Texans at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, Oct 24, 2021. Murray moved around the pocket and prepared to throw while Arizona’s offense continued attacking downfield during the regular-season matchup. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports during the afternoon contest.
Minnesota emerges as a logical destination. Murray’s childhood allegiance to the Vikings, coupled with the team’s favorable environment — Kevin O’Connell’s quarterback-friendly system, talented receiving corps, and competitive defense — suggests a potentially appealing one-year agreement.
Given Murray’s recent injury history, the Vikings would likely retain McCarthy as a backup. If successful, the pairing of Murray and Minnesota could prove formidable, particularly if O’Connell tailors the offense to capitalize on Murray’s mobility and improvisational skills.
Murray’s a Viking — and he could be the new QB1 for the next half-decade.
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5. Vikings Sign 3-4 Affordable New Defenders
The Vikings can’t offer Jonathan Allen or Javon Hargrave-style contracts during this free-agency period, but they can scour the wire for bargains.
New York Jets safety Andre Cisco (8) walks off the field following the game against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Sep 14, 2025. Cisco reacted after the final whistle while players from both teams met near midfield following the AFC East matchup. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images after the contest concluded.
In addition to the Samuel Jr. prediction, Minnesota will sign a safety like Andre Cisco, a linebacker like Jerome Baker, and perhaps an EDGE defender like A.J. Epenesa (in the event a Jonathan Greenard trade comes to fruition).
The Vikings have only three off-ball linebackers under contract right now: Blake Cashman, Jacob Roberts (The Snake?), and Josh Ross. If they re-sign Wilson, they still need a couple more ILBs after releasing rookie Kobe King last year. Expect some movement at inside linebacker. The depth behind Cashman of only Roberts and Ross is downright comical.
Lille will host Lorient at the Decathlon Arena – Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Sunday in another round of the 2025-26 Ligue 1 campaign. The home side endured a challenging start to the year, although results over the past few weeks have been positive, and they will now hope their struggles are behind them.
After their trip to Serbia last week, which saw them overturn a first-leg deficit against Crvena Zvezda to book a spot in the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League, Lille returned to domestic action last weekend, going toe-to-toe with a relegation-threatened Nantes side. Les Dogues looked set to be held to a disappointing goalless draw before Nathan Ngoy netted a dramatic winner in stoppage time to secure a 1-0 victory.
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Newly promoted Lorient, meanwhile, have wasted no time readjusting to life in the French top flight and now sit 15 points clear of the bottom three, with a top-half spot potentially awaiting them should they collect maximum points in Northern France this weekend.
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A first-half brace from Ahmadou Bamba Dieng earned Lorient a point in their 2-2 draw with Auxerre last time out in Ligue 1. However, they endured a less positive cup outing days later, losing on penalties to OGC Nice to exit the Coupe de France in the quarterfinals.
Lille vs Lorient Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
The two teams have met 40 times, with Lille winning half of those encounters and Lorient claiming 12 victories, while the remaining eight contests have ended in draws.
Lille ran out 7-1 winners when the two teams met earlier in the season.
Lille have lost just one home game to Lorient in the last 15 years.
Lorient have scored 34 goals in Ligue 1 this season, the highest of any team in the bottom half of the table.
Lille vs Lorient Prediction
Les Dogues head into the weekend clash on a run of three straight wins after winning just one of their previous 10. They are comfortable favorites for this one and should receive an additional boost from their home advantage.
Les Merlus, meanwhile, have lost just one of their last 13 league matches and have every chance of securing a positive result this weekend. However, they have struggled for results on the road in Ligue 1 this season and could come unstuck here.
Prediction: Lille 1-0 Lorient
Lille vs Lorient Betting Tips
Tip 1 – Result: Lille to win
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Tip 2 – Goals – Over/under 2.5 – Under 2.5 goals (Each of the hosts’ last eight matches have produced fewer than 2.5 goals)
Stade Brestois will host Le Havre at the Stade Francis-Le Bre on Sunday in another round of the 2025-26 Ligue 1 campaign. The home side have had mixed fortunes this season, although results recently have improved, as they sit ninth in the table, seven points adrift of the European qualification spots.
Fresh off an impressive 2-0 victory over Champions League-chasing Olympique Marseille a fortnight ago, Brest recorded back-to-back league victories for the first time this year last weekend, edging Metz 1-0. Les Pirates looked poised for a difficult outing at the Stade Saint Symphorien following a first-half red card for Daouda Guindo, but rose to the challenge, with Ludovic Ajorque finding the net for a second game running to secure victory for Eric Roy’s men.
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Le Havre, meanwhile, have struggled for results this season but remain hopeful of recording a more comfortable finish than they managed last term, when they avoided the drop by just one point.
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Le Club Doyen welcomed defending champions and league leaders Paris Saint-Germain to the Stade Oceane last time out and predictably faltered, falling 1-0, with goalkeeper Mory Diaw making multiple key saves to prevent a much heavier defeat.
Stade Brestois vs Le Havre Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
There have been 37 meetings between the two teams, with Brest winning 17 of those encounters and Le Havre claiming eight victories, while the remaining 12 contests ended in draws.
Le Havre won 1-0 when the two teams met earlier in the campaign, ending their five-game winless streak against Brest.
Only Auxerre (19) have scored fewer goals in Ligue 1 this season than Le Havre’s 20.
Brest, meanwhile, have scored 32 goals in the division so far, the fewest of any team in the top half.
Stade Brestois vs Le Havre Prediction
Les Pirates have collected three wins and two draws from their last five matches after losing four of their previous five. They have also won five of their last six home games and will head into Sunday’s fixture with confidence sky-high.
Le Club Doyen, meanwhile, are on a run of back-to-back defeats and have won just two of their last seven matches, with a herculean effort needed on Sunday if they are to avoid defeat.
Prediction: Stade Brestois 2-0 Le Havre
Stade Brestois vs Le Havre Betting Tips
Tip 1 – Result: Brest to win
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Tip 2 – Goals – Over/under 2.5 – Under 2.5 goals (Five of the hosts’ last six matches have produced fewer than 2.5 goals)
The Ironclad in Slay the Spire 2 grants improved resilience, powerful combos, and heavy-hitting abilities. This beginner-friendly deck originating from the demonic pact allows players to brute force their way to the end. The vast card pool cards of The Ironclad allow users to create either a Strength, Block, Exhaust, or Bloodletting build.
However, choosing the right cards can be overwhelming, yet it is essential for securing victory in this roguelike deckbuilder title. Read on, as we discuss the best ways to play the Ironclad in Slay the Spire 2.
How to play The Ironclad in Slay the Spire 2
The Ironclad character will be available from the beginning in Slay the Spire 2. You might be enticed to use the entity and its associated cards. With abilities to manipulate HP and Strength, you can become extremely resilient early on to soak up incoming damage before unleashing powerful heavy attacks.
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You can later recover from the punishments using the after-combat healing ability of the character. Below we have discussed the best cards you can use with the Ironclad builds:
The Ironclad Strength build: Best cards and abilities
A crucial card for Strength build (Image via Mega Crit)
Key cards
Demon Form: At the start of your turn, gain 2 Strength.
Whirlwind: Deal 5 damage to ALL enemies X times.
Heavy Blade: Deal 14 damage. Strength affects this card 3 times.
Relic recommendations
Orichalcum
Horn Cleat
Captain’s Wheel
The Ironclad’s Strength build in Slay the Spire 2 is quite straightforward. It allows you to buff the specified stat to increase the overall damage output. Use Demon Form, Spot Weakness, and Limit Break to gain more Strength scaling.
To make your attacks more effective and hit multiple targets, use Whirlwind, Sword Boomerang, and Twin Strike. Make sure to also use Heavy Blade for its exponential Strength scaling. As for the relics, they will improve your blocking capabilities, which will allow the Ironclad to focus on dealing damage.
The Ironclad Block build: Best cards and abilities
Body Slam lets you deal damage with a Block build (Image via Mega Crit)
Key cards
Body Slam: Deal damage equal to your Block.
Entrench: Double your Block.
Barricade: Block is not removed at the start of your turn.
Relic recommendations
The Ironclad’s Block build in Slay the Spire 2 is all about absorbing damage before retaliation. As such, you benefit from the Barricade and Body Slam cards. The latter enables your character to deal damage after you endure the punishments.
Pick up Bronze Scales specifically to be able to tank the incoming attacks.
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The Ironclad Exhaust build: Best cards and abilities
Use Dark Embrace for the Exhaust build (Image via Mega Crit)
Key cards
Corruption: Skill costs no energy. Whenever you play a Skill, Exhaust it.
Dark Embrace: Whenever a card is Exhausted, draw a card.
Feel No Pain: Whenever a card is Exhausted, gain 3 Block.
Relic recommendations
This combo in Slay the Spire 2 allows you to unleash powerful synergies and use them to deal heavy damage at the expense of exhausting a card. Corruption, Dark Embrace, and Feel No Pain will consistently replenish the draw pile. Dead Branch will further ensure that you never run out of cards.
The Ironclad Bloodletting build: Best cards and abilities
Key cards
Rupture: Whenver you lose HP on your turn, gain 1 Strength.
Brutality: At the start of your turn lose 1 HP and draw 1 card.
Relic recommendations
Self-Forming Clay
Blue Candle
Bloodletting ability boasts some of the most powerful cards in Slay the Spire 2. They usually inflict damage to the Ironclad and rely on deck synergies to turn him into a strength-scaling champ. Rupture boosts the Strength stat while Brutality causes self-damage.
With the accumulative stacks, you can use Heavy Blow to deal massive damage. Feed and Reaper cards will grant bonus HP to help Ironclad survive the battle.
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For the Oilers, centre Adam Henrique left the game after blocking a shot with his knee.
Henrique played 7:09 before being forced to exit. He won two faceoffs and took two shots on goal in the 6-3 loss.
Edmonton head coach Kris Knoblauch didn’t have an update on the 36-year-old, but said that Henrique’s knee didn’t feel good enough to return to the game.
Henrique has played in 48 games for the Oilers this season, scoring two goals and 10 points.
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It’s unclear how the veteran blue-liner suffered the injury, but he did get tangled up with Oilers forward Colton Dach in the first period. He stayed in the game to close the opening frame, but didn’t come back for the second period.
Gostisbehere logged 4:01 of ice time and scored his 11th goal of the season before departing.
The 32-year-old has battled a lower-body injury for much of the 2025-26 campaign. Friday was just his 45th game of the year. His goal brought him to 43 points on the season.
Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour also didn’t have an update on the defenceman post-game.
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“I don’t have one. It’s obviously not good,” the coach said, per The Hockey News‘ Ryan Henkel. “He’s been dealing with stuff it feels like all year. Just when he gets rolling, he just gets nicked up. I don’t really have an update at this point.”
With the results of the NFL combine in the books, there is always a reevaluation of draft boards as players’ draft stock goes up or down depending on their performance. That has been the case for some players who are potential Vikings draft targets.
Several Fits for Minnesota Took a New Turn in Indianapolis
The NFL combine is an essential part of the pre-draft process. It gives players a chance to showcase their raw ability, which can be compared not only with their fellow draft prospects this year but also with the historic results of players who have gone on to achieve great things in the league.
Several Vikings draft prospects have seen their draft stock go up or down following the combine. I will look at four players whose stock has risen and three whose stock has fallen, and what that means for their prospects of becoming a Minnesota Viking.
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Dillon Thieneman (S), Oregon – Stock Up
Dillon Thieneman is being compared to Harrison Smith, and with the Vikings needing help in the secondary, he is becoming a more popular choice at 18th overall. That high in the draft might have been seen as too high for Thienemen before the combine, but not so much now.
Nov 29, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) intercepts a pass against the Washington Huskies during the second half at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
His athletic prowess is undeniable after he ran a blazing 4.35-second 40-yard dash with an equally impressive 1.52-second 10-yard split. Thieneman also ranked second among the safety group with a 41-inch vertical jump. Thieneman has pushed his claim to be not just a first-round pick but in the top 20, which puts him in the Vikings’ range. Landing in Minnesota with Smith comparisons will bring with it a unique kind of pressure.
Chris Johnson (CB), San Diego State – Stock Up
The Vikings need help at CB, but I’m not seeing the lockdown outside corner the Vikings need at 18 – without there being a catch. Chris Johnson looked smooth on tape during his college career without looking like a top-flight athlete. After an excellent combine, Johnson’s draft stock is up, so the question for the Vikings is will he be available at 49?
Caleb Banks (DI), Florida – Stock Up
My 2026 draft crush has been Caleb Banks, and the Florida interior defensive lineman did his best to back up my claims at the combine. Banks measured and tested like an absolute beast, allaying any concerns created by the foot injury that made him miss much of the 2025 season. Any doubts that he is first-round material are now gone. I’m sticking to my claim that Banks would be an excellent choice for the Vikings at 18.
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Eli Stowers (TE), Vanderbilt – Stock Up
Kenyon Sadiq has been the clear TE1 in this draft class, but after showcasing his elite athleticism at the combine, Eli Stowers may have solidified himself as TE2 in this class and weighed in at 239 pounds. His 4.51-second 40-yard dash ranked second among the TE group, behind only Sadiq. He led all players with his incredible 45.5-inch vertical jump.
Stowers has put some weight on for the draft process and probably needs to add a bit more to be an every-down player. With TJ Hockenson and Josh Oliver already in Minnesota, Stowers would be an intriguing receiving option who could develop into a starter with some added bulk if the Vikings can land him on Day 2.
Jermod McCoy (CB), Tennessee – Stock Down
Jermod McCoy is one of the most intriguing prospects with medical concerns, having been 13 months removed from a major knee injury, meaning scouts haven’t seen him in action since last January. McCoy did not participate in any testing aside from the bench press.
Nothing makes a player’s draft stock slide like injury concerns, and if McCoy doesn’t perform well – or at all – at his pro day, he will represent a big risk. These concerns might see him slide down to the Vikings at 18, but will they also be the reason they let him keep sliding?
Emmett Johnson (RB), Nebraska – Stock Down
Emmet Johnson has been a favourite of some Vikings onlookers and was at least in the mix for RB2 with all the backs jockeying for positioning behind Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love. Johnson had a rough time at the combine, running a relatively average 4.56-second 40-yard dash.
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He also failed to impress with a 35.5-inch vertical jump and a 10-foot broad jump, and he logged a well-below-average 7.32 seconds in the three-cone drill. Johnson’s game is based more on his vision and craft behind the line of scrimmage, and he can certainly be a productive runner in the NFL, but his lack of elite traits may make him slide. Possibly good news for the Vikings if they want to hold off on selecting an RB.
Peter Woods (IDL), Clemson – Stock Down
Peter Woods looked like a top 10 pick and a certainty to be the first interior defensive lineman off the board. That’s all changed as his slide started before the combine. It felt like Woods needed a good week with his 2025 tape a step back from 2024.
Aug 31, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive lineman Peter Woods (11) shown on the field pregame prior to the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
While other IDLs like Banks and Lee Hunter are having excellent pre-draft processes, Woods didn’t participate in any drills and measured in at 6-2, 298, with 31-inch arms. He is in danger of becoming the forgotten man in this draft, but that could be to the Vikings’ advantage.
Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.
The Pitt season 2 episode 10 is expected to continue the developments affecting all medical personnel at Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center following the previous episode.
Season 2 of the medical drama series is still airing in real time, covering only one shift on the Fourth of July, focusing on the emotional and operational issues affecting the medical field. The hospital personnel at the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center were still reeling from the effects of the cyberattack that had crippled their digital systems in episode 9.
The hospital also narrowly escaped a major medical crisis due to a mistake in their temporary analog system, and Roxie, a terminal cancer patient, confided in the medical personnel that she had been hiding the severity of her pain from her family.
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The upcoming The Pitt season 2 episode 10 is expected to see the hospital preparing to handle a new emergency situation arising from the collapse of a water slide, with multiple people injured. Episode 10 will premiere on March 12, 2026, at 9 pm ET.
When does The Pitt season 2 episode 10 come out? Release time for all major time zones
A still from the series (Image via YouTube/ HBO Max)
The Pitt season 2 episode 10 will premiere on March 12, 2026, exclusively on HBO Max at 6 pm PT.
Here are the release timings for various time zones:
Regions
Release date
Release Time
Pacific Time (PT)
March 12, 2026
6 pm
Central Time (CT)
March 12, 2026
8 pm
Mountain Time (MT)
March 12, 2026
7 pm
Eastern Time (ET)
March 12, 2026
9 pm
British Summer Time (BST)
March 13, 2026
2 am
Central European Time (CET)
March 13, 2026
3 am
India Standard Time (IST)
March 13, 2026
7:30 am
How many episodes are left in The Pitt season 2?
The Pitt season 2 will follow HBO Max’s standard weekly release schedule, with new episodes debuting weekly. Season 2 of The Pitt consists of 15 episodes. Including episode 10, six episodes remain to air before the end of season 2.
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A brief recap of The Pitt season 2 episode 9
A still from the series (Image via YouTube/ HBO Max)
In The Pitt season 2 episode 9, titled 3:00 P.M., we see the medical team at Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center dealing with their chaotic Fourth of July shift as they try to run the facility without their digital systems, which have been compromised by a cyberattack. In the episode, viewers see one of their major cases involving Jude, a young boy who loses two fingers after being injured by a firecracker incident.
In dealing with Jude’s injuries, viewers find out that Jude’s parents have been deported to Haiti, and so Jude’s older sister, Chantal, is now his legal guardian, which creates concerns that she and Jude might be separated by social services. In other news, intern Dr. Javadi made a serious mistake by forgetting to enter her patient into the whiteboard system, which resulted in a medical emergency requiring surgery.
In other news, Dr. Mel King is preoccupied before her deposition for her malpractice lawsuit, as her sister, Becca, comes into the hospital with signs of a urinary infection. The episode also deals with emotional stories of the patients, such as Roxie, who is a terminal cancer patient and reveals to those around her that she has been hiding her pain from her family.
The episode ends with news of a water slide collapse, which will soon result in several injured patients arriving at the already overwhelmed ER.
What to expect from The Pitt season 2 episode 10?
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The Pitt season 2 episode 10 is anticipated to proceed from the events that took place in episode 9. The Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center is preparing for an emergency. There is an announcement that the water slide at the water park near the medical center has collapsed, resulting in several people being injured, with at least one fatality.
Since several other hospitals have been affected by the cyberattack, the victims of the water park tragedy are likely to seek medical attention at the PTMC. Episode 10 is anticipated to focus on the measures the medical center’s emergency department takes to address the emergency situation despite the lack of its information technology systems.
Medical practitioners in the emergency department may have to rely on manual record-keeping, which may delay the provision of medical attention to victims.
The Pitt season 2 episode 10 will premiere on March 12, 2026, on HBO.
Crystal Palace will not be required to sign Super Eagles midfielder Christantus Uche on a permanent deal after the conditions attached to his transfer can no longer be fulfilled.
Uche joined the Premier League club on loan from Spanish side Getafe last summer after an impressive first season in Spain. The move came after Getafe agreed to let him leave as they tried to meet La Liga’s strict financial rules.
Both clubs agreed that the deal would become permanent if the Nigerian midfielder started at least 10 Premier League matches during the season.
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However, Uche has struggled to secure regular playing time in England. The midfielder has mostly appeared as a substitute and has not started any Premier League game this season.
Crystal Palace played their 29th league match of the campaign against Tottenham on Thursday. The game was important for Uche because it marked the start of the final 10 matches of the season.
But he only came on in the second half during Palace’s 3–1 victory. That appearance confirmed that he can no longer reach the required 10 league starts needed to activate the permanent transfer clause.
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As a result, the Nigerian midfielder is expected to return to Getafe when the season ends.
Despite this, his future at the Spanish club is still uncertain. Getafe previously allowed him to leave on loan to reduce their wage bill and register new players.
With Uche set to return, the club may again face financial pressure and could decide to sell him if a good offer arrives.
Although he has played limited minutes in England, his experience in the Premier League has attracted interest from several clubs across Europe, which could open the door for another move in the summer transfer window.
