There's no way I could write a hockey article this week and ignore the NHL draft lottery: I'm not a fan. Let's bring back the "live" option, 1000 labeled ping pong balls, a barrel, and a blindfolded celebrity.  This "We'll do the actual drawing in a closed room – just 14 balls and complex mathematical formulas – with NHL Network witnesses, and we'll tell you about it later"?  Not at all transparent, and not even fun. And then that went awry, as well. The drama (?) of announcing the 16th pick first is lost on me. 

No, I won't jump onto "The lottery was rigged!" bandwagon, but for real excitement, a blindfolded Wayne Gretzky or Henrik Lundqvist pulling out two ping pong balls?  Far better than what I watched on Monday.  

The Chicago Blackhawks have instantly changed, or so we're told.  Connor Bedard compares to Connor McDavid. But wait – Edmonton's now at the tail end of McDavid's eighth year in the league, and he's been supported by the Oilers' having had three other #1 picks, plus Leon Draisaitl at a #3. And no Stanley Cups, no Stanley Cup Finals, although they are still in the mix, after evening up their series last night. So, yes, the Hawks' rebuild, without all those extras, does look far better this week – but a playoff run might still be years away. 

Tonight, the Carolina Hurricanes will put away New Jersey. The 'Canes are not necessarily the better team, especially without an entire top-six line (Andrei Svechnikov, Teuvo Teravainen, Max Pacioretty), but the Devils seem to lose focus too often, and a combination of power-play failures and poor defensive communication have them on the brink. For fantasy, Martin Necas ($5600) and Jesperi Kotkaniemi ($3700) on offense, with Brent Burns ($6800) and Freddie Andersen ($8000) to send New Jersey home empty.  

The Devils will be back. They're a young team, and watching Luke Hughes (-3 on Tuesday), it's easy to see the talent – and also the inexperience. Next year, adding Simon Nemec and Alexander Holtz to their roster? I'll put a bet on them for 2024-25, when these guys have some experience and Jack Hughes, Timo Meier, and Nico Hischier are reaching their prime. 

In the late game – no handshakes here, it's a 2-2 series – I'm reminded that every time that I've doubted the Seattle Kraken this year, they prove me wrong. No matter, I'll do it again. From offense to goaltending, the Stars are just better. Joe Pavelski ($6900) has returned to the top line with Roope Hintz and Jason Robertson ($7700), and Max Domi ($4700) will also repeat his goal-scoring from Game Four. Pavelski now has 70 career playoff goals and could soon overtake Alex Ovechkin (72) and Sidney Crosby (71), for the NHL's active-player lead.  When you threaten Ovi in a goal-scoring category, that's worth reporting. I'll add affordable Ryan Suter ($3500) from the second power play. 

One more? Morgan Geekie ($3000). Seattle won't go down easily, and Geekie's energy hasn't been rewarded – yet. I fear New Jersey won't have enough pushback to pick a Devil for my third-team, opposition choice.  

There! An entire article without mentioning the Maple Leafs – oh, damn I just did.  Must-watch for Friday.