Odds are another common way to express a level of confidence about an outcome. Very similar to probabilities More common in sports

In probability theory and statistics the odds in favour of an event or a proposition are the quantity p / (1 − p), where p is the probability of the event or proposition.probability theorystatisticseventpropositionprobability For example, if you chose a random day of the week, then the odds that you would choose a Sunday would be 1 to 6. The probability in favour of choosing a Sunday would be 1/7. The odds against you choosing Sunday are 6 to1. Stanley

1. Detroit Red Wings The Red Wings rightfully have drawn considerable praise for masterful work in making the transition from relative free-spending to the cap age, but it will take another Stanley Cup to completely validate all of that. The only reason the Wings' odds aren't shorter is that goalie Dominik Hasek will have to prove he can hold up physically through the two-month run. For all the Wings' strength as a puck-moving, puck-control team playing keep-away, does anyone think they can win a second time with Chris Osgood in the crease?Detroit Red WingsDominik HasekChris Osgood 2. Anaheim Ducks The defending champs face serious roadblocks in the West again -- and not just the Red Wings. But with Scott Niedermayer and Teemu Selanne back from their sabbaticals, and Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry coming even more into their own, and Jean-Sebastien Giguere proven as a money goalie, they're big-time threats to repeat unless Chris Pronger has too many postseason cases of team-hurting brain lock or Todd Bertuzzi's bad karma tips the balance.Anaheim DucksScott NiedermayerTeemu SelanneRyan GetzlafCorey PerryJean-Sebastien GiguereChris Pronger 3. San Jose Sharks The Sharks are the hottest team in the league, and the addition of Brian Campbell at the deadline added a dimension that nudged them to another level. It would help if Patrick Marleau, who got going in the second half, cranks it up even more in the postseason.San Jose SharksBrian CampbellPatrick Marleau 4. Pittsburgh Penguins It might be a case of beat 'em this season or maybe forget about it for at least a couple of years. The cap era makes it tough to even get a dynasty debate started, much less maintain a dynasty, and this roster is going to be difficult to hold together as it matures. But Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Sergei Gonchar & Co. are the favorites to come out of the East.Pittsburgh PenguinsSidney CrosbyEvgeni Malkin Sergei Gonchar

13. Ottawa Senators The defending Eastern Conference champions pulled off one of the biggest collapses in recent memory, and I suppose you could argue that if they awaken and knock off the Penguins, that will mean they've snapped out of it and their 2007 experience will come into play. But Daniel Alfredsson's and Mike Fisher's knee injuries are the last straws in a bizarre season.Ottawa Senators 14. Boston Bruins The banged-up Bruins did a good job under coach Claude Julien just to get here, but it won't last long.Boston Bruins 15. Washington Capitals It's a great story for the league with Alexander Ovechkin taking his refreshing act -- so much talent with showmanship that hasn't (yet) gone over the top -- into the postseason, but it won't last long.Washington CapitalsAlexander Ovechkin 16. Nashville Predators Given the offseason mess, it's amazing the Predators made the playoffs -- and just being competitive against the Red Wings would add to the accomplishment.Nashville Predators

A sock drawer contains three red, five white, and four black socks. Event A: picking a red sock P(A) = 3 / 12 = 1/4

A sock drawer contains three red, five white, and four black socks. Event A: picking a red sock Odds in favour of A 3 to 9 or 1 to 3

If the odds in favour of event A are “h to k”, then P(A) = h h + k

Pg , 9,12