Ken Morrow, the New York Islanders` director of pro scouting, is familiar with `hockey miracles`.
For Morrow, a four-time Stanley Cup champion and member of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” U.S. Olympic team, watching the Islanders win the NHL draft lottery on Monday and jump nine spots to get the first overall pick was another unforgettable moment.
“I’ve had many thrills in my hockey life, but this is certainly one of the highest,” Morrow stated. “The hockey gods smiled upon us. I`m tremendously excited for the Islanders faithful, our ownership, and the entire organization.”
The Islanders, who missed the playoffs for the second time in four seasons and recently parted ways with general manager Lou Lamoriello on April 22, achieved this surprising lottery win despite having only a 3.5% probability – the tenth-best odds – at the start of the day.
Tristan Blackwood