Sunday, June 04, 2006

Coming off a 4-3 series win over the never-say-die Buffalo Sabres, the Eastern Conference champion Carolina Hurricanes are -135 favorites to win the Stanley Cup, according to odds makers at Sportsbook.com, the world's largest online sportsbook and casino.

The Hurricanes, making their second trip in four seasons to the Stanley Cup final, will be looking to engrave their names on Lord Stanley's coveted trophy for the first time in franchise history. Meanwhile the Edmonton Oilers, listed as the underdog at +115, are hoping to spoil the Hurricanes' plans and bring the Stanley Cup back to the "city of champions" for the first time in sixteen years.

"This could be a final for the history books, especially if the Oilers upset the 'Canes," said Alex Czajkowski, Marketing Director Sportsbook.com. "Everybody bets on the Stanley Cup final and while Carolina is the favorite, all eyes will be on Edmonton to see if they can return to their 1980's dynasty days."

Sportsbook.com is also offering odds on who will take home the Conn Smythe Trophy - the MVP of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Carolina's rookie goaltending sensation Cam Ward is the 4-1 favorite, while Dwayne Roloson, the Oilers' netminder with a current playoff .931 save percentage, is right behind Ward at 9-2.

The first puck of the series drops in Carolina on Monday, June 5, 2006.