Buffalo Sabres Draft Lottery Odds: The Home Stretch

We are down to the home stretch for the Buffalo Sabres, just five games remaining in the regular season, which should put the capstone on the two worst seasons in franchise history, at least in my memory banks. This weekend could also be the make it or break it weekend, with just two points separating the Buffalo Sabres and Arizona Coyotes.

The Coyotes play two games this weekend as well, a home and home with the San Jose Sharks. San Jose only have five games left and are six points back on the playoff race – a long shot for them to crack the playoff teams – will they lay low and count their blessings and improve in the draft lottery, or will they may an heroic push for eight place?

The Buffalo Sabres, in my opinion are going to try and win out, at least from a players perspective. I think the cheering for Arizona in Buffalo set the players off on that goal, and they are going to push as hard as they can. Games this weekend may be tough – as both Chicago and New York have locked up their post season bid. Chicago is still in the race for their division though, the Islanders are trying to hold on to a divisional playoff spot as opposed to a wild card spot. Home ice is what they are playing for in the playoffs.

Here are your draft lottery standings as of April 3rd.

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So many fans have bought into the race for last place, and honestly, I will be a little disappointed if they make a historic run out of last in the final days of the season because of pride and take themselves out of the running for one of the two generational players in this years draft.

There is still the chance that they end up 29th, and could win the draft lottery, or if Arizona ends up 30th, and wins the draft we still get Jack Eichel, but Tim Murray will have a lot more work to do if he ends up picking third or later in the draft.

Today’s winner of the draft lottery simulator? The New Jersey Devils, with the Buffalo Sabres picking second.

Not a lot of action on the schedule tonight, but game that could impact both the playoffs and the draft lottery still.

Chicago Blackhawks @ Buffalo Sabres

Chicago is a lock to make the playoffs, but could still be battling for position in the Central division. There is only a three point gap between them and Nashville, so the division is still in play for them.

Montreal Canadiens @ New Jersey Devils

Montreal is still fighting to win the Atlantic Division, and have only a one point lead on the Lightning. This is Montreal’s game in hand on the Bolts, and could make the gap five points tonight, and tie the Rangers for top spot in the East. Is this the year the Stanley Cup returns to a Canadien team?

St. Louis Blues @ Dallas Stars

The Blues are locked into the playoffs, but are only two points behind Nashville for the top spot in the Central, and one point ahead of the Blackhawks.

Colorado Avalanche @ Anaheim Ducks

Anaheim has their division locked in, and Colorado has pretty much resigned themselves the fact that they will be missing the post season. They would need a lot of help to get into the post season, as they could only max out at 92 points.

Arizona Coyotes @ San Jose Sharks

San Jose is in a tough spot, they could still make the playoffs, but need a lot of help.

Next: Elmira Jackals Make Push For Playoffs

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