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NHL Daily: Flyers’ Lottery Spot Sealed; Penguins Collapse
By virtue of their 4-3 overtime win Tuesday over Columbus, the Philadelphia Flyers are assured of finishing seventh in the May 8 draft lottery.
They will have a 6.5% chance of advancing to No. 1 and getting the right to draft superstar-in-waiting Connor Bedard.
Hey, they only had a 2.4% chance to climb from No. 13 to No. 2 in 2017, and that’s just what happened. They selected Nolan Patrick, then a hotshot center.
In other words, you never know.
Columbus, despite getting a point, moved into sole possession of the worst-record spot. If the Blue Jackets stay there, they would have a 25.5% chance to win the lottery and get Bedard.
Chicago, which had been tied with the Jackets with 56 points, stunned host Pittsburgh, 5-2, and probably cost the Penguins a playoff berth.
Pittsburgh is trying to qualify for the playoffs for a staggering 17th straight season. But if a team can’t beat lowly Chicago in a must-win game at home, does it really deserve a playoff spot?
Pittsburgh GM Ron Hextall’s job may be in jeopardy, writes Dan Kingerski, after a miserable season in which the Penguins were (mostly) old and slow.
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Around the NHL and National Hockey Now
Philly Hockey Now: Owen Tippett scored twice, including the overtime winner, and James van Riemsdyk collected his 300th career goal in the Flyers’ 4-3 victory over visiting Columbus. Philadelphia Flyers.
Philly Hockey Now: Carter Hart won three team awards, and Ivan Provorov was named the Flyers’ top defenseman. Most of the writers voted for Nick Seeler for the latter award, while the broadcasters chose Provorov, based on an informal poll. Philadelphia Flyers.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Penguins got a gift when the Islanders lost to Washington the other night, opening the door for Pittsburgh to sneak into the playoffs. But the Pens sent a gift back to the Isles. Pittsburgh Penguins.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: A look at the playoff scenarios involving Pittsburgh and the Islanders. Pittsburgh Penguins.
Boston Hockey Now: The Bruins set a points record with a 5-2 win over visiting Washington, but No. 1 goalie Linus Ullmark had to leave the game in the third period with an injury. Jeremy Swayman is a terrific No. 2 goaltender. Boston Bruins.
Florida Hockey Now: The idle Panthers qualified for the playoffs for the fourth straight season. Florida Panthers.
New Jersey Devils: Jack Hughes set a franchise record with his 97th point as the Devils defeated Buffalo, 5-2, and remained one point behind first-place Carolina in the Metro. New Jersey Devils.
Colorado Hockey Now: Despite a 2-1 overtime loss to Edmonton, the defending champs clinched home ice in the opening round of the playoffs. Colorado Avalanche.
Detroit Red Wings: It’s pride vs. their draft position as the Red Wings face their season finale. Detroit Red Wings.
Thanks for getting us through this season, Sam. But I think I’m done with this team.
Torts needs to go. If he is here next year as a coach or an exec, I’ll NEVER watch them again. He is rude and nasty. And he doesn’t respect that the media are the lifeline to the fans at home.
The reveal to not name a captain happening now? Odd. Never heard that before. Refusing to answer questions about scratches? Refusing to answer why he wasn’t available after games? Or isn’t behind the bench?
The fans on Twitter know 1/2 the game or its traditions. And it shows in their comments. To be happy that players are “being held accountable” begs me to ask over and over … WHY DO ANY OF THESE PLAYERS NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE?
They should know it. They should come into the league accountable from the OHL, college, or AHL.
The interviews with Hilferty leave much to be desired. More Torts, Val, and corporate speak nonsense.
I’m afraid that I’ve had enough. Time to adopt another team.
I don’t think Tortorella will be going anywhere, in fact, he likely will have more input on the roster. That they finished near .500 with the inadequacies of the current personnel is an indication that the coach did a decent job. Moreover, and the last handful of meaningless games notwithstanding, the team does seem to be developing an identity as an effortful and resilient team. Credit the coach on that also. With some substantive roster additions and subtractions, and continued development of young players like Tippett, York, Frost, and Foerster, and hopefully a smart #7 overall pick, they could be on the upswing. Granted, it will take prudent moves by their new GM and better player development and drafting than we have seen in the past, and it won’t produce a contender quickly, but I do think there is hope. Whether it happens will be up to the new front office people but I am at least glad they recognized the need to move on from Fletcher, Scott, and the Bullies.
Ramus Ristolainen earn the Barry Ashbee award , nothing against Provorov hé is the best Defensemen of the Flyers