Bodog Beat

The Canucks face the Oilers in Preseason action. (AP Images)

Now there will be a few sports fans in Edmonton and Vancouver that will tell you differently but for the most part everyone is happy that NHL hockey is back. Sure the CFL's Eskimos and Lions gave people something to cheer about and bet on over the summer but hockey is what fuels the cities north of the border.

It could be a tough season for both clubs as they fight to climb out of the basement of the Northwest Division and into the postseason. Vancouver (+3000) and Edmonton (+3500) are not among the favorites to win the Stanley Cup but they could offer plenty of value.

The Canucks were one of the top moneyline teams in 2007-2008, while the Oilers had the best over/under record in the entire league at 44-31.

Vancouver is still searching for a captain while the Oilers are ready to test center Shawn Horcoff's surgically repaired shoulder. Will everything come together in time for opening night?

The Oilers and Canucks open up their preseason schedule tonight at Rexall Place in Edmonton.

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