‘The NHL and its television partners believe the lottery will receive more attention if it shares the spotlight rather than commands it on its own, so the event is likely moving to the first Saturday of the postseason. The potential move, first reported by Sportsnet.ca, would create an April 18 date for the lottery. It had previously been held between the end of the regular season and the start of the playoffs.’
NHL banking on game-night lottery
Source: Buffalo News