Calgary Flames Have 40/1 Odds To Win Stanley Cup

They aren’t last, but they aren’t first either.  According to Bodog.net, the Calgary Flames have 40-to-1 odds to win the Stanley Cup this year.  It ranks the Flames tied for 20th with other clubs such as the Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers and Ottawa Senators.  Ok, so when you look at the list that the Flames are associated with it’s a bit of a slap in the face.  I mean, the Leafs and Panthers are on the same playing field as the Flames?  I think not.

Sure the Panthers have some up and coming stars, but they are from ready to contend for a playoff spot.  And the Leafs…..well….they’re the Leafs.  Even Santa Claus said they sucked!

The Flames don’t appear to be getting much respect which is sure to suit the team just fine.  An underdog role is usually the best role to be in and that is what the Flames appear to find themselves as.  Everyone has the Vancouver Canucks as the run away favorites to win the Northwest division this year and are one of the top three favorites to win the Cup on Bodog at 10/1.  Only the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh Penguins sit ahead of the Canucks.

After the Canucks, the Minnesota Wild loaded up this off-season and there is plenty buzz surrounding the acquisitions of Ryan Suter and Zach Parise.  The Wild have 18/1 odds.

Even the Edmonton Oilers are miles ahead of the Flames on Bodogs’ list.  Those damn, pesky Oilers have 16/1 odds.  Sure they’re young but they’re also inexperienced and the difference in goal between Edmonton and Calgary is good for a laugh.

So Flames fans, it would appear that the underdog role is what you’re left with.  Given how well the Flames typically play once January rolls around, this club could be dangerous in a short 48-game schedule.  That and the fact that Miikka Kiprusoff will play nearly every game this year without the concerns of burning him out by the time the playoffs roll around, the Flames are be a great bet to contend.  Not only for the division, but the Kings demonstrated last year that all you have to do is get into the dance.  After that, anything can happen.

Have an extra C-note kicking around?  Might be worth throwing it down on the Flames.