NHL Odds Pit Rising Minnesota Wild Against Reigning Western Champs

[The Q]

The top two teams in the NHL’s Northwest Division will drop the puck this Monday, but the real buzz surrounding the NHL odds board comes from how one of those teams even got there.

Bet on the upstart Minnesota Wild as they hit the road against the reigning Western Conference Champion Vancouver Canucks.

Are the Minnesota Wild legit? Are they here to stay? If you’ve asked yourself these questions recently, you’re not alone. The confusion surrounding the No. 1 team in the Western Conference has been spreading since they jumped to the front of the pack in October.

According to Bovada, Minnesota now has 20/1 odds of winning the Stanley Cup. It’s a mark that rivals that of even last year’s Cup runner-up.

But don’t cue the riot just yet, Vancouver, with months left to play in the season hockey fans can expect the cream to eventually rise to the top. Right?

Think Roberto Luongo will find his sweet spot in the crease and finally shed the yips that have cost him his confidence as a No. 1 netminder? It doesn’t take long for Vancouver to climb from a middle-contender to the top force in the Northwest Division.

Will Monday night’s teaser be a preview of the battle we can expect later on this season?

Hit the Ice.
Looking for NHL odds and futures? Weigh in at Bovada’s online sportsbook.

[richardhodges]

Yeah, I didn't see Minnesota doing this, but at the same time I can't see the Canucks not on top of the Northwest by years end.

Or at least I hope.