The Buffalo Sabres are almost ready to put a bow on the 2014-2015 regular season, and right now the mission could be labelled a success. They hold the 30th spot in the league, all but guaranteeing themselves either the number one or number two spot in the 2015 NHL draft.
But that position isn’t totally secure – if that is what you are hoping for. There are still three games left, meaning the Buffalo Sabres could win out, and end up with 58 points. Three straight losses to the Arizona Coyotes leaves them at 56. One Sabres loss, and a Coyotes victory puts the plan on ice, and wraps up the season for the Buffalo Sabres.
The Sabres weekend of games helped their cause in that regard, losing both games this weekend, a close call with the Blackhawks, and then laying the Easter Egg on Saturday versus the Islanders. Here are your draft lottery standings on this Dyngus Day, 2015.
Today’s draft lottery simulator is brought to you by slumber time, and the hope of a draft dream come true. Today’s lottery winner is the Colorado Avalanche, pushing the Buffalo Sabres to second overall in the draft.
Not everything is locked up as far as the draft lottery is concerned, with plenty of movement still available in those standings. There are also still four playoff spots unaccounted for in both conferences. There are just five games on the schedule tonight as the NHL gets set to start its final week of the regular season.
Carolina Hurricanes @ Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo could close the gap with Arizona to just two points with a win, or keep them at four points with just two games remaining. Depending on how the season plays out – Carolina could swap spots with the Maple Leafs.
Columbus Blue Jackets @ New York Rangers
The New York Rangers have the playoffs and their division locked up, and are playing for the top spot in the league and guaranteed home ice through the extent of the playoffs. Columbus could drop themselves slightly in the draft lottery standings, but are enjoying the role of spoiler, having won their last nine in a row.
Winnipeg Jets @ Minnesota Wild
Minnesota needs a victory to further cement their playoff hopes. 98 points might just be enough to lock them in the wild card race, a Jets win keeps their hopes alive.
Los Angeles Kings @ Vancouver Canucks
Vancouver is looking to put the bow on their regular season and lock up a playoff spot, while the Los Angeles Kings are looking to do the same. It has been a rocky road for the Kings, who are now just looking to get into the playoffs.
Dallas Stars @ San Jose Sharks
The Sharks playoff chances took a blow this weekend splitting a home and home with Arizona, two desperate hockey clubs whose chances have just about run out.
Next: Can The Sabres Retire Another Number Next Year?
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