Stanley Cup Betting Futures - July 8, 2008

Tuesday, July 8

It’s only eight weeks until the opening of NHL training camps, which means it’s time for NHL hockey betting fans to start making their picks for the 2008-09 Stanley Cup winner.

The Detroit Red Wings won the 2008 Stanley Cup, beating the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games last month, and to no one’s surprise they are the early favorites to win the NHL championship next season at BetUS.

BetUS, one of NHLmatchups.com’s recommended sportsbooks, has the Red Wings at +500 in NHL Future Betting odds to win the 2009 Stanley Cup.

Detroit has not rested on its laurels this off-season, signing Unrestricted Free Agent – and former Penguin – Marian Hossa to a one-year, $7.4-million US contract.

Hossa, 29, is a proven goal-scorer and played an integral part in Pittsburgh’s quest for the Cup against the Wings. He racked up 29 goals and had 37 assists in the 2007-08 regular season, and added 12 goals and 14 assists during the playoffs.

The Penguins are at +650 to win the Cup next season, while the Montreal Canadiens are +600.

The San Jose Sharks, who were picked by many as the Stanley Cup favorite heading into the 2008 NHL Playoffs but were knocked out in the second round, are at +900. The Anaheim Ducks, winners of the 2007 Stanley Cup, are at +1200.

There are a number of teams that had impressive runs in the 2008 NHL playoffs that are in the mix, including the New York Rangers, who lost to the Penguins in the Eastern Conference Final, at +1200; the Washington Capitals (+1500); and the Dallas Stars (+1800).

The longest of the longshots are the Atlanta Thrashers and Los Angeles Kings, both at +10000.