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So, Auston Matthews to the Oilers might be a thing now.
Before you come after me, Edmonton, I know your team just rattled off three straight wins prior to Friday. How can they possibly be in the sweepstakes for Auston Matthews and the first overall pick in the 2016 draft? For that, I direct you to the 2015-16 NHL standings:
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With 15 games to play, the Oilers sit with the third worst record in the NHL. Having three games in hand on the Flames and four on the Leafs, Edmonton is running out of real estate, and fast. Eight of their final 15 games are to be played against teams in playoff position or on the bubble. According to nhllotterysimulator.com, there's a 13.5 percent chance the Oilers could command that coveted spot.
Faced with these facts, it looks like it's time to start preparing for a scenario no one in this league wants to see unfold again. Once again, the Oilers have a very high percentage of picking at the No. 1 overall draft position. Based on their hilarious good luck over the last few years, it's almost inevitable that they'll land it again.
Matthews has the chance to be just as good, if not better, than Connor McDavid or Jack Eichel. The Oilers already have McDavid, last year's No. 1 overall, along with Nail Yakupov, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Taylor Hall -- all first overall picks. In fact, Edmonton has had the first pick in four of the last six drafts.
We're on the precipice of facing yet another draft lottery where the Oilers are in the conversation for that No. 1 spot. It's laughable and bordering on ridiculous, but we can do nothing about it. No matter how many people declare Edmonton unfit for any more generational talents, they still have the second best odds to win it with a handful of games remaining.
Just remember hockey fans, time is meaningless. Just give the Oilers Matthews now. It's not like they'll be able to do anything with him anyway.
Scores
Rangers 3, Capitals 2
Blue Jackets 6, Oilers 3
Stars 4, Devils 2
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3 things we learned
1. Antti Raanta was one lucky goaltender
Raanta is a more than capable backup netminder -- and quite a skilled one at that with a .913 save percentage this season for New York -- but he must be thanking his lucky stars. On multiple occasions during the Rangers 3-2 win over the Capitals, Raanta was able to get incredible breaks or find a way to make a save out of nothing at all.
Dernit pic.twitter.com/iDJouOiErB
— CAPITALS HILL (@CapitalsHill) March 5, 2016
Raanta save pic.twitter.com/0g5UODEzVp
— Stephanie (@myregularface) March 5, 2016
Okay sure, the Capitals got one by him that no one but the officials saw, but Raanta deserved that win full stop.
Raanta was very happy!! pic.twitter.com/rubDbHzeDM
— No Chill Hayes (@Hayes_Hair13) March 5, 2016
You thank that crease, Raanta. It deserves some love too.
2. John Tortorella still has the best reactions from behind the bench
Say what you want about his coaching style, but Tortorella is certainly the best coach personality in the game right now. Especially if it gives us faces like this on a challenge call that was ruled against the Blue Jackets:
— Stephanie (@myregularface) March 5, 2016
You keep on shining, Torts.
3. Cory Schneider pulled something no man ever wants to pull
So, the Devils might be missing their star goaltender for awhile after this.
Yep, definitely a groin pull. Ouch.
Impact Moment
Brett Ritchie threw down a big check on Andy Green and decisively decisioned Adam Larsson, all within the span of 10 seconds.
Definitely do not want to mess with him now.
Stat of the Night
Per @EliasSports: @NYRangers 10-game win streak in games following a regulation loss is the longest within one season in franchise history.
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 5, 2016