The Colorado Avalanche odds to win the 2009 Stanley Cup may be a long +8000 (for the opportunity to win $8000 on every $100 bet at Sports Interaction), but expert NHL handicapper, Ron Raymond, believes this is one team that has a legitimate shot of going all the way, much like the long shot New York Giants did last year in the NFL.

"What I like about the Avalanche is the grit they have on this team and with players like Tucker, Smyth and Laperriere; those are the type of players who will turn it up a notch come April. Peter Budaj is the question mark in nets, but he outplayed Theodore 2 years ago and now that Theodore is gone to Washington, he might have that pressure off his back knowing he's the go to guy for Tony Granato.

"Furthermore, the Peter Forsberg rumors are out there and don't be surprise if Forsberg gives the Avs another shot if he's healthy. The AVS will need a proven QB on the power play and they will have the option of picking up a rent a player come the trade deadline time, so take the risk and buy a Avs futures."

ESPN.com posed the following questions about the Avalanche:

Can Peter Budaj and Andrew Raycroft provide the Colorado Avalanche with quality goaltending? Can this team avoid the injury bug? Can veterans like Joe Sakic and Ryan Smyth bounce back? Are their young forwards ready to step up? Is their defense good enough? If the answer to most of these is "no," it'll be a long season for the Avalanche.

We here at Gambling911.com will stick with Ron Raymond's gut feeling about how their season will shape up.

http://www.atsdatabase.com/ is where you will find more of my free NHL betting plays.

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