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Paul Bissonnette, Ryan Whitney blast NHL Draft Lottery after Maple Leafs land No. 1 pick
TL;DR
The Toronto Maple Leafs secured the No. 1 overall pick in the NHL Draft Lottery despite only an 8.5% chance, sparking controversy. Ryan Whitney and Paul Bissonnette criticized the lottery's credibility during a live broadcast.
Key points
- Toronto Maple Leafs won the No. 1 overall pick
- Maple Leafs had an 8.5% chance in the lottery
- Ryan Whitney and Paul Bissonnette criticized the lottery
- Whitney called the lottery process 'rigged'
- Bissonnette echoed the sentiment of it being 'the most rigged thing of all time'
Mentioned in this story
Ryan WhitneyPaul Bissonnette
Toronto Maple LeafsNHLMinnesota WildColorado Avalanche
The NHL Draft Lottery rarely escapes controversy, but Tuesday nightâs result pushed skepticism into overdrive after the Toronto Maple Leafs landed the No. 1 overall pick with just an 8.5% chance.
During a live alternate broadcast of Game 2 between the Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche, the Spittin Chiclets panel openly questioned the credibility of the lottery process moments after Torontoâs win became official.
âI went down on my knees, and I was laughing. How rigged is this?â former NHL defenseman Ryan Whitney said live on air.
âSo rigged. Itâs the most rigged thing of all time,â Paul Bissonnette added.
MORE: Auston Matthews emerges as early focus for Maple Leafsâ new GM John Chayka
The discussion escalated when the crew focused on the televised handling of the lottery balls and an apparent break in camera coverage. Whitney questioned why viewers lost a clear view of the process during a commercial segment, while Matt Murley claimed portions appeared âpre-recorded.â
âDoes anyone on planet Earth trust that ball guy they had?â Bissonnette said, while Keith Yandle joked the staff member âlooked like a Barstool employee.â
Murley claimed, âThey broke away, and then I think they realized they panicked, and then they put it in the small window during the commercial, but there were parts where we had no eyes on it.â
Later in that episode, New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck was asked about the Draft being rigged, and even he said, âIt seems like it, doesnât it?â
Q&A
What were the odds of the Toronto Maple Leafs winning the No. 1 pick in the NHL Draft Lottery?
The Toronto Maple Leafs had an 8.5% chance of winning the No. 1 overall pick in the NHL Draft Lottery.
Why did Ryan Whitney and Paul Bissonnette criticize the NHL Draft Lottery?
Ryan Whitney and Paul Bissonnette criticized the NHL Draft Lottery for being 'rigged' after the Maple Leafs won the No. 1 pick.
What did Ryan Whitney say about the NHL Draft Lottery during the broadcast?
Ryan Whitney expressed disbelief, stating, 'I went down on my knees, and I was laughing. How rigged is this?'
What is the significance of the Maple Leafs landing the No. 1 overall pick?
Landing the No. 1 overall pick is significant as it allows the Maple Leafs to select top talent, potentially impacting their future success.
