Lucky number 13?

This season, the NHL adopted a draft lottery system like the NBA. That means, unlike in years past, every team that does not make the playoffs has a chance to win the lottery and draft number one overall. The suspense! The television revenues. The bloggity blogs writing about this craziness. Gary, you are such a brilliant commissioner.

The Capitals had a 0.5% chance of getting the first overall pick entering the night and ended up getting dreaded pick number 13, which I guess is good unless you’re really, really superstitious. For those looking for a good omen, the last time the Capitals drafted 13th– back in 2002, they wound up with Alex Semin.

The Florida Panthers, who are awful, won the lottery and will draft first. The Sabres, who are even awfuler, will draft second. Here are the rest of the picks.

13. Capitals
12. Coyotes
11. Predators
10. Ducks
9. Jets
8. Leafs
7. Hurricanes
6. Canucks
5. Islanders
4. Flames
3. Oilers
2. Sabres
1. Panthers

The rest of the first round draft picks (14-29) will be determined by how the 16 playoff-qualifying clubs do in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The cheating Devils — who are cheaters — will pick last in the round.