Rangers win 2020 NHL Draft Lottery, Hurricanes say 'you're welcome'

The New York Rangers scored Monday, and the Carolina Hurricanes were sure to take credit for their assist.

Carolina offered a "you're welcome" to New York after it gained the first pick in the 2020 NHL Draft during the Second Phase of the NHL Draft Lottery.

Carolina swept the Rangers in three games in the Stanley Cup Qualifiers, which is why the Rangers were one of the eight teams eligible, with identical 12.5 percent odds, for the drawing Monday. Team E, which ultimately became the Rangers, beat the slim 2.5 percent odds and was awarded the top pick.

The 2020 draft is scheduled for Oct. 9 and 10.

The Rangers themselves were ecstatic to get the top pick, and the right to select highly-coveted forward Alexis Lafreniere from Rimouski of the QMJHL. They shared their joy on social media shortly after the lottery.

Rangers fans also delighted at picking first for the first time since 1965. Former NFL quarterback and New York radio host Boomer Esiason, who is also father-in-law to New York Islanders forward Matt Martin, got another key result in the

battle for his new granddaughter's hockey fandom

.