For fans of sports betting, October has to be the best month: Major League Baseball begins its post-season, heading to the World Series; The NFL and NCAA football seasons are underway; a new NBA campaign tips off and pucks begin flying in the NHL, Oct. 8.
OK, in terms of wagering volume, hockey doesn't quite measure up to baseball, football and basketball. The truth is, nothing does. But astute bettors understand that an absence of interest doesn't prevent an absence of opportunity. Just ask anyone who grabbed New Jersey at 10/1 to win last season's Stanley Cup title or bathed in 40/1 odds on Anaheim winning the NHL Western Conference Championship.
Shrewd gamblers also know that a couple of wise future bets can give them wagering leverage later in the season. For example, if you've ventured a play on say, the Devils to capture the Stanley Cup and New Jersey makes it to the finals, you can hedge by betting the other team, let's say the Mighty Ducks again, on the money line. It turns out to be a win-win situation.
What's more,
The Greek Sportsbook not only is offering prices on the Stanley Cup and conference finals but the six division races as well, so there are even more chances for the player to hedge, shift and maneuver as the season draws to a close in April.
First things, first.
Here, followed by NHL future book odds from
The Greek Sportsbook, is a look at the major contenders to win the 2004 Stanley Cup Championship.
Colorado Avalanche: The Avs actually opened as the third choice but several off-season acquisitions have made Colorado a slight favorite. Among the big names headed to the Mile High city are left wing Paul Kariya, who was pilfered from the Ducks, and right wing Teemu Selanne, a free agent pickup from the Sharks. Add Joe Sakic, a healthy Peter Forsberg and Milan Hejduk to the mix and Colorado, which was outscored by only four teams last year, should have little difficulty finding the back of the net.
The concern is in goal where Patrick Roy, arguably the best net-minder ever, has hung up his pads.
Detroit Red Wings: Sergie Fedorov has taken his team-leading 83 points to Anaheim but Detroit still should have ample firepower thanks to Ray Whitney, Brett Hull, Brendan Shanahan and captain Steve Yzerman, who returns for a 21st season in the Motor City. Dominik "The Dominator" Hasek has come out of retirement in the Czech Republic to bolster a goalkeeper crew that that is fronted by a stingy defense, paced by Nicklas Lidstrom and Derian Hatcher, the latter, an unrestricted free agent who had been with Dallas.
New Jersey Devils: The Devils gave up the fewest goals in the NHL last season on their way to another Stanley Cup title. The defense, headed by Martin Brodeur in net and Scott Stevens delivering the lumber, again should be formidable. Patrik Elias leads an adequate attack.
Dallas Stars: Mike Modano, Jason Arnott, Sergei Zubov, Bill Guerin and Jere Lehtinen return to spearhead the team that had the second best goals for/goals against differential and led the Pacific Division last year. Marty Turco and Ron Tugnutt are solid between the pipes.
Ottawa Senators: Ottawa had the most victories, most points and best goal differential before fizzling in the playoffs last year. A Strong offense, led by Marian Hossa and Daniel Alfredsson, will try to reverse that outcome in front of goalie Patrick Lalime.
Vancouver Canucks: Markus Naslund, Todd Bertuzzi and Brendan Morrison provide plenty of scoring but Dan Cloutier needs to step it up in goal.
Philadelphia Flyers: The Flyers hope that Jeff Hackett, who split time in goal between Montreal and Boston last year, will be the answer for vanquished Roman Chechmanek.
St. Louis Blues: Calder Trophy winner Barret Jackman continues the tradition of top defensemen in St. Louis but the Blues need better goaltending from Brent Johnson and Fred Brathwaite.
Anaheim Mighty Ducks: The loss of Paul Koriya and Adam Oates will put even more pressure on superb goalie Jean-Sebastien Giguere.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Alexander Mogilny and Matts Sundin provide the offense while Ed Belfour minds the net for a team that is always a playoff threat.
ODDS TO WIN THE 2004 STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONSHIP
