Team Canada opens as early favorite to win World Cup of Hockey
REUTERS/Brian Snyder
The World Cup of Hockey is around the corner, and the host country is listed as the early favorite.
Team Canada comes in as champions of the last two Olympics and IIHF World Championships, and with the deepest roster of NHL talent, it's no surprise the Canucks are atop the list.
| Team | Opening odds |
|---|---|
| Canada | 5/6 |
| Russia | 4/1 |
| USA | 6/1 |
| Sweden | 6/1 |
| Finland | 10/1 |
| Czech Republic | 20/1 |
| North America | 20/1 |
| Europe | 30/1 |
Following the Canadians is the Russian squad, led by Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin.
The tournament-inspired teams, Team North America and Europe, come in at the bottom of the poll, trailing more internationally experienced teams in the USA, Sweden, Finland, and Czech Republic.
In the last running of the tournament, held in 2004, Canada defeated Finland in the finals.
(Odds courtesy: Westgate Superbook)