The Islanders, who at 3.5 percent had the 10th-best chance of winning the lottery, would pick No. 1 for the fifth time and the first since selecting center John Tavares in the 2009 NHL Draft. They also took goalie Rick DiPietro first in 2000, defenseman Denis Potvin in 1973 and forward Billy Harris in 1972.

New York Islanders pro scouting director Ken Morrow knows a thing or two about so-called hockey miracles. Witnessing the Islanders win the NHL draft lottery on Monday and vault nine other teams in the order for the right to have the No.

The Islanders had the winning combination that awards them the first overall pick and the chance to improve their franchise moving forward. The Utah Hockey Club won the second draw to move up 10 spots to fourth overall. That means the San Jose Sharks have the second overall pick.