The Stanley Cup finals start tonight in Vancouver.

Bodog.net is giving the B's 39-to-20 odds to win the Stanley Cup, while the Canucks are considered favorites at 20-to-47.

For Game 1, the B's are listed as plus-170 underdogs to win, with the over-under set at 5.5 goals.

Vancouver hosts Games 1,2,5,7
Boston hosts Games 3,4,6

Game1: Wed June 1 8pm ET
Game2: Sat June 4 8pm ET
Game3: Mon June 6 8pm ET
Game4: Wed June 8 8pm ET
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Game5: Fri June 10 8pm ET
Game6: Mon June 13 8pm ET
Game7: Wed June 15 8pm ET



I think Boston is going to give them a run for the money with their grind it out style of play. Injuries could also help decide the outcome, as both teams have walking wounded in the roster.

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Rooting for the Canucks so bad, if they take the Stanley Cup and the Mavericks take the NBA I'm gonna be a happy happy man.

Im rooting for Boston. I love Hockey

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i ain't seen hockey in ages i miss my leafs... i'm routing for vancouver though... go canucks!!!!

Asking this bunch if there are any hockey fans here is like asking if there are any guitar players in the house.
----Danny,

They even moved the Sox game up to now (1:10pm) so no distractions tonight.

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

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Word out on the street is some tickets are available but they will cost you a prity penny. and to get 2 seats side by side .
----Danny,

I believe this series will really come down to goaltending. Boston is a physical juggernaut but I believe Vancouver to have more offensive talent.

Hope Vancouver wins, just because it's been since '93 that a Canadian team has won a cup (back when Montreal did it).

All eyes are on Tim Thomas. He'll be the most important player this series.

I absolutely hate that argument. pro sports aren't important enough to cheer along patriotic lines. especially if you consider Vancouver has less Canadian players and is owned by an American corporation.

then there's the inevitable trash talking by the fans of the team to eventually win it, I'd much rather do the trash talking than listen to it.

I don't really have a favorite, but I am hoping for a great series.

Vancouver needs to push the pace and make it an end to end game. Boston needs to slow it down and contain Vancouve'rs quick strike offense.

Offense:
edge Van
Defense:
-shutdown; edge Boston
-puck movement/zone transition, edge Vancouver
-top pairing; Boston
-depth Vancouver
Goaltending:
edge Boston
both play well, but both are prone to severe lapses in play, Luongo is among the worst puck handlers in the history of the game. Thomas is more likely to steal a game, though Luongo did exactly that in game 5 against San Jose.
Special Teams:
-PP huge edge Van.
-Pk slight edge Van.

On paper it would seem a fairly big advantage for Vancouver, but their playoff numbers are much closer than the regular season. Personally I think Vancouver's regular season numbers were bolstered by being among the leagues best teams (#1 for a reason,) but also playing in arguably the worst division in hockey. (Edmonton and Colorado posted the two worst records, Minnesota was terrible in the second half of the season, and Calgary despite a mid season surge failed to make the playoffs.)

I think if Vancouver can open up the pace they can win a shorter series. Boston needs to control the pace, a longer series favours them.

Van in 5, or Boston in 7-- prepared to eat crow if wrong

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I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

Me too, though I live in enemy territory now.

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I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

Yep, looking forward to this, it's the first time I've managed to catch the Stanley cup final on tv so I'm quite pleased. I had to nag my folks to upgrade their tv package so I could watch it (I'm in the UK) as I've been having withdrawals since the winter olympics

Drew

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I say Vancouver takes it in six. The Canucks have more depth offensively and defensively. Boston's only hope is if Tim Thomas can steal a couple of games for the Bruins (which could very possibly happen).

Should be a good series in any case -- go Canucks!!

Living in Vancouver, what can I say?


GO CANUCKS!!!


Hope it's a great series.
Gridlok

PS: One and a half hours till gametime-

Red Wings Fan...Hockey Town USA! Now if only my beloved Lions could win a Super Bowl I could die a happy man...as far as sports is concerned There are still a couple guitars and amps I have GAS for...

T2

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