Calgary Flames Would Pay $2000 for a 2009 Stanley Cup Win

The Calgary Flames have a fighting chance during the 2008/2009 season and their odds to win the 2009 Stanley Cup were set at +2000 (with a payout potential of $2000 for every $100 bet). At Sports Interaction, which is offering a 15 percent cash bonus exclusive to Gambling911.com readers through October 15, 2008, the Flames would pay $1250 for every $100 bet to win the 2009 Western Conference.

The Flames have revamped their supporting cast. Captain Jarome Iginla, goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff and defencemen Dion Phaneuf and Robyn Regehr are among the best in the business at their positions, but depth is required to win the ultra-competitive Northwest Division, the Canadian Press points out.

Mike Cammalleri and controversial but powerful winger Todd Bertuzzi were two acquisitions the Flames hope will boost their chances this season.

Forwards Rene Bourque and Curtis Glencross; speed centre Matthew Lombardi and winger David Moss are also fresh faces on this Calgary team.

This is the most depth I've played with since I've been here for sure," Captain Jarome Iginla stated, and he may be right.

But what everyone in Calgary is waiting for: Will winger Todd Bertuzzi recapture the form that once made him a premiere power forward and will he be worth the $1.95-million, one-year contract he signed in July?

Flames fans seemed ready to embrace Bertuzzi given the ovation he received in his first pre-season appearance at the Pengrowth Saddledome, according to the Canadian Press. He has the size and power to protect the puck and the gifted hands to thread it through traffic and beat the goaltender.

"It's been a real eye-opener for sure," Bertuzzi said. "You never know coming into a situation what to expect and what it's going to be like, especially coming into another Canadian city after being in Vancouver for nine years.

"It's been tremendous so far."

Odds to win the 2009 Western Conference can be found below at Sports Interaction, which is offering a 15 percent cash bonus exclusive to Gambling911.com readers through October 15, 2008:

Detroit Red Wings +185

San Jose Sharks +450

Anaheim Ducks +725

Dallas Stars +850

Minnesota Wild +1350

Calgary Flames +1250

Chicago Blackhawks +1325

Colorado Avalanche +1550

Vancouver Canucks +1700

Edmonton Oilers +1700

Nashville Predators +3000

Columbus Blue Jackets +3200

Phoenix Coyotes +2500

St Louis Blues +3800

Los Angeles Kings +6000

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Ean Lamb, Gambling911.com