Lottery Draft Preview

It's almost that time, folks. The 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs are right around the corner, and that means that the crack in the sidewalk to that corner spells Lottery Draft. Since conducting the lottery draft in 1995, there have been 8 instances that a team who did not place last has won the lottery pick.


This year, the Islanders seemed to have done everything they could to get the top pick. They finished in last place with 61 points, they had Di Pietro injured for almost the full campaign, and they used Brenden Witt in the shootout - you know, because of his offensive talents. How offensive you ask? Well, in 848 games, the 34 year old has posted 23 goals and 93 assists for 116 points. THAT offensive.

It is why I've felt like the Islanders were somewhat cheating their way to the top pick. It is also why I hope Tavares does not get drafted by them.

The top 5 teams in the lottery draft are as follows:

NY Islanders (61 Points)
TB Lightning (66 Points)
COL Avalanche (69 Points)
ATL Thrashers (76 Points)
LA Kings (79 Points)

So I'm curious. Who do you think will win the lottery draft tomorrow night, and, perhaps more importantly, who do you want to win?

Micheal A. Aldred
michealaldred@hotmail.com