(CNW) Oddsmakers at
www.bowmans.com
, the world's largest online gaming company, say the return
of NHL hockey to Canada will not necessarily bring the Stanley
Cup back to the great white north.
Bowmans have pegged the Philadelphia Flyers
the 5-1 favourite to win the 2006 Stanley Cup, with the Ottawa
Senators and Detroit Red Wings listed as the second choices at
9-1. Should the Flyers win, or any other American squad, it
would extend Canada's cup drought to twelve seasons, the
longest in NHL history going back to 1926.
The other top picks to sip from the cup next
Spring are the Pittsburgh Penguins at 9 1/2-1; and the Calgary
Flames and Colorado Avalanche, each listed at 12-1. Amongst
other Canadian clubs, the Vancouver Canucks are selected at
14-1, the Toronto Maple Leafs at 15-1, the Edmonton Oilers at
20-1 and Montreal Canadiens at 22-1. Defending Stanley Cup
champion Tampa Bay Lightning are listed as 15-1 picks.
