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.