McEichel Sweepstakes: Arizona Coyotes Visit Buffalo

By William Grigsby | Mar 26, 2015

Arizona Coyotes, Buffalo Sabres Vying For Either McDavid or Eichel, Battle It Out

The last time these two teams met was back on December 23, 2013. The Sabres came away with a 2-1 OT win on one of, if not THE strangest goals you will ever see. Sabres defenseman, Mark Pysyk shot one at Arizona Coyotes Mike Smith, that Martin Hanzal tried to deflect, and instead it wound up in Mike Smith uniform… on his posterior.

Little did Smith know the puck was hung up in his uniform, so he backed into his net to attempt to defend a possible rebound. When he did that he inadvertently crossed the goal-line and it was ruled a goal.

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Smith was actually correct that the whistle should have been blown, since the puck was out of sight. That didn’t happen, and the Sabres took the freakish goal as a gift to win the game.

More interest seems to be focused on the NHL Draft order, than the game itself. It almost seems like a sideshow atmosphere where fans are cheering for their team to lose, rather than win. Of course you won’t hear team management, or the coaching staff for either team admit they would like to improve their position to draft either Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel this summer.

The Sabres have the lead in that respect by being in last place, and having the top 20% odds of getting the first pick. If the Arizona Coyotes finish 29th, they will have a 13.5% chance. This fun simulator takes everything into consideration to predict which team may winner the lottery. It can be found at: http://nhllotterysimulator.com

When I ran it, I got good results if you are an Arizona Coyotes fan… they got the first pick twice. Take note that the San Jose Sharks also got two wins, and their percentage is only 3.5% at this point. Kinda like going to Vegas, and hoping the odds are in your favor — when of course, they’re not. Give it a try, it’s fun, and somewhat scientific.

In the end, the game still must be played, and teams don’t really like to lose, and of course coaches aren’t going to suggest they play below their standards just to get a chance to get a franchise changing player, RIGHT ?

Here’s my lottery simulator results:

2015 NHL Draft Lottery Simulator

TRADECENTRE LOTTERY SIMULATOR
Run the Lottery!

You have run the simulator 12 times.
Arizona Coyotes
Wins: 2

Win %: 16.7%

San Jose Sharks
Wins: 2

Win %: 16.7%

Carolina Hurricanes
Wins: 1

Win %: 8.3%

Columbus Blue Jackets
Wins: 1

Win %: 8.3%

Florida Panthers
Wins: 1

Win %: 8.3%

Edmonton Oilers
Wins: 1

Win %: 8.3%

Philadelphia Flyers
Wins: 1

Win %: 8.3%

Buffalo Sabres
Wins: 1

Win %: 8.3%

New Jersey Devils
Wins: 1

Win %: 8.3%

Toronto Maple Leafs
Wins: 1

Win %: 8.3%
made by rob zaenglein

for media, advertising, and all other inquiries, contact robzaenglein@gmail.com

Next: Arizona Coyotes Lottery Choice May Be Decided By Buffalo Games

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