I know

So Pittsburgh who would've been in the playoffs, Loses to Montreal and gets a potential top 3 pick. Such lame crap if you ask me.

That’s how it works. Yes it’s a little weird that the 5 seed can win top 3 but they only have a three percent chance

If it’s a given that Pittsburgh is losing to Montreal, they have an 11% chance at a top 3 pick. Although by the time the series is done, that number would be higher or lower, based on how the 1st lottery goes.

Each team outside of top 7 has a 3 percent

You dont need a RHD you have John Marino

@Arom5477 to answer your question, I think Hutton would be a fine 3rd pair D--certainly better than JJ, but isn't everyone? TVR would be a good solution on the right side as well. I love Craig smith and he would fit perfectly but I think since the cap isn't going up he may get closer to $4M.
I would love PIT to get a lottery pick.
If we don't win the cup, it's the next best thing and would greatly improve our chances at cups in the future.

The thing that really bothers me is that the penguins are a slow starting team. And they haven't played for months.
Don't think they can't lose. They can.

They can lose it’s a sport. But chances are they’ll win. Remember Malkin is matched up against nick Suzuki

The only possibilities are that Pittsburgh gets the #15 pick (they have the highest seed of the non-bye teams) after losing to Montreal and then if they win one of the lotteries, they would get #1, #2 or #3; if other teams occupy those spots, then the Pens stay at #15.

yes but on the plus side, Suzuki is probably smart enough not to piss Malkin off and wake him up to actually play.
This team is known for sleep walking in the beginning of the season.

When you look at matchups, when you consider the real fact that Max Domi may not even play, I just don't see any way Pittsburgh loses.

this team lost to ANA, LAK, and SJS at the end of February and you don't think they can lose?

A 3% chance at the 1st overall pick. They have an 11% chance at a top 3 pick.

Those regular season games mean nothing in the grand scheme of things plus I believe Guentzel will be back in the lineup for the play-in, no? Maybe in a one-off game the Habs get lucky, but not in a best of 5. I mean, I suppose there is a chance, but like 5% :P

I think your way overconfident. Yes Pittsburgh will probably win, but 5%. Price could steal one or two games real easy. And u forget how some bad calls could screw either team over. It’s more like 70/30

A. no one knows if Guentzel will play or not. It's been assumed.
B. Those games did not mean "nothing" they were trying to win those games. Part of the reason they are not sitting in the top 2 seeds in the Metro are THOSE games.
This team can absolutely sleep walk after coming back from a long break and I think most fans know this. Hockey has always been about being hot at the right time. The penguins have this way of trying to build up to the moment as the season progresses. They can't just turn it on or off. That has been proven for most teams.
Teams who have a history of quick starts would probably do well here and be a surprise. I bet BUF is kicking itself, as they always start the season on fire and then fade.