Sea Dogs' magical draft lottery run ends

The dynasty run is over.

The Saint John Sea Dogs' streak of QMJHL draft lottery wins came to an end on Thursday night in Montreal, finishing in second place. Before the 2018 event, the Sea Dogs had won all five draws they had taken part in in franchise history.

Saint John had the highest odds (nine balls - a 43% chance of winning) but finished second behind the Chicoutimi Sagueneens. The Sags had just two of the 20 balls in the draw and the second lowest odds of victory.

GMs gather on set... Will Saint John draft first overall? Lottery results imminent https://t.co/MmR5cjp0WK via @TJProvincial pic.twitter.com/KgONN0wzdX

— Adam Huras (@adamhuras) April 5, 2018

Unlike the previous years the Sea Dogs were victorious in the draw, the event involved five teams instead of two. The new format was introduced last year to reduce tanking. The new format has certainly been effective as this marked the second year the team with the highest odds did not win. Last year, the Rimouski Oceanic had the third best odds of winning and ended up with the first overall pick.

Here's how the order played out:

1. Chicoutimi Sagueneens
2. Saint John Sea Dogs
3. Shawinigan Cataractes
4. Charlottetown Islanders
5. Sherbrooke Phoenix

The Cataractes are no doubt a little upset. The team had the second best chance of winning but finished third in a year they are hosting the draft.

Saint John also has the eighth overall pick in this year's draft.

#Qdraft #RepechageLHJMQ pic.twitter.com/RmXzaQRy0v

— Jérôme Bérubé (@Jerome_Berube) April 5, 2018

The good news for Saint John is that, unlike Alexis Lafreniere last year, there is no clear cut first overall pick this season. Fredericton native Josh Lawrence was ranked as the top player available in HockeyProspect.com's March rankings, but he is likely taking the NCAA route.

Notable 2nd overall picks since #SJSeaDogs entered Q: Mathieu Perreault, Sean Couturier, Jonathan Drouin, Anthony Beauvillier, Antoine Morand and Jared McIsaac.

— Jamie Tozer (@station_nation) April 6, 2018

Saint John will pick in the top three for the seventh time in team history. They have never picked second overall, selecting first overall five times and third once.

The 2018 QMJHL Entry Draft takes place June 2 in Shawinigan.