Buffalo Sabers fans finish Canadian national anthem after singer’s microphone stopped working
During an NHL playoff game, a singer’s microphone malfunctioned and a Buffalo Sabers fan intervened to finish his rendition of “O Canada.”
Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka’s personnel decisions have been controversial, with one reporter questioning the due diligence that went into the decision.
A gift fell into Chayka’s lap the next day, as the team ended a nine-year hiatus and aimed for an early return to the playoffs.
The Maple Leafs acquired the No. 1 overall pick in the draft lottery for the first time since selecting Auston Matthews in 2016.
The San Jose Sharks won the second lottery and will pick second place.
Here are the winners and losers of Tuesday’s NHL Draft Lottery.
winner
toronto maple leafs
The Maple Leafs can choose between Gavin McKenna and Ivor Stenberg in June. Both have the talent to make an immediate impact on the franchise and contribute in scoring. And adding a player of such caliber to the team could help sway the decision of Auston Matthews, who will be eligible for a contract extension on July 1, 2027.
san jose sharks
The Sharks showed significant improvement in 2024 No. 1 pick Macklin Celebrini’s second season. They finished four points out of the playoff spots and will add either Stenberg or McKenna to a young squad that already features Celebrini, Will Smith and Michael Misa.
draft lottery show presentation
Last year’s show was boring and reminded people why it takes place offstage. But this year there was a different touch. It was so cute to have New York Islanders No. 1 pick Matthew Schaefer and Matt Martin’s kids explain how the lottery works. Also, he didn’t show the way each ball was loaded into the shot like last year. They cut to a commercial and showed it as an inset. Overall, production values were better.
loser
vancouver canucks
The Canucks have never selected No. 1 overall and likely never will. Not only that, but the worst team in the NHL in 2025-2026 fell to third place. They’ll get a very good prospect, but not as good as McKenna or Stenberg.
chicago blackhawks
The Blahawks, the second-worst team in the league, could have had Stenberg or McKenna playing alongside Connor Bedard and Anton Frondell. But they fall to the fourth pick.
boston bruins
The Bruins acquired the Maple Leafs’ 2026 No. 1 pick in the Brandon Carlo trade. The pick was top-5 protected, so Boston likely won’t be able to acquire him in what is considered a deep draft in 2026. Instead, the first-round pick will be transferred to a future year and will not be protected.
