Bodog Beat

New team Captain Roberto Luongo leads Vancouver into battle against Calgary. (AP Images)

Finally, hockey season is here. Although the good people of Vancouver might be a little more nervous about it than most. The Canucks are under new management, and the team has been rebranded as younger and tougher. Goaltender Roberto Luongo was named the team’s “captain” in a purely ceremonial gesture – a Canuck skater will perform the actual duties. It’s the kind of move that smacks of diversion.

The Flames are also retooling, but they have better Stanley Cup odds at 25-1 to Vancouver’s 35-1. The question is whether goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff will bounce back from a poor 2007-08 season. His .908 save percentage was the worst of his four years with Calgary, and it’s gotten lower every year. Alex Tanguay (58 points last year) will be missed, as well. But Vancouver’s roster is a shambles. Luongo must feel like he’s back with the Panthers now – only with job security. Get all your NHL Hockey Betting Odds in the Bodog Sportsbook today!