ESPN

Electronic Arts' NHL 08 is readying to announce their cover athlete in t-minus only-a-few-hours. So, who's it going to be? We break it down, and come up with a winner.

Scott Niedermeyer, D, Anaheim Ducks
The league's premiere defenseman-and this is being written by a Chris Pronger worshiper-Niedermeyer not only led his Ducks to the Stanley Cup, he scored the Conn Smythe as the playoff MVP. But his grey beard won't win him any cover lovin'.
Odds: 25/1

Jaromir Jagr, RW, New York Rangers
The league's only real one-man show, Jagr can be an unstoppable offensive force, when he feels like it. He plays in the planet's premiere media market, but while his game is still thriving, he's over the hill for a cover.
Odds: 10/1

Sidney Crosby, C, Pittsburgh Penguins
Crosby's the Ladainian Tomlinson of this year's hockey class. He's a no-brainer for the cover, as he's the league's most recognizable and dominant player. But will EA pay for that kind of exposure for their game's cover? Unlikely.
Odds: 7/1

Eric Staal, C, Carolina Hurricanes
Staal is the best of the 100 Staal brothers infiltrating the NHL. He's young, wicked good, and already has a Cup-but he got his last year. Even though he's a big gamer, he'll have to wait for his next Cup for a shot at the cover.
Odds: 4/1

Pavel Datsyuk, C, Detroit Red Wings
Hockeytown, USA's biggest star, this guy will never replace Stevie Y in the hearts of Wings fans, but he will score as much. Absolutely dynamic, if this isn't Pavel's year, next year should be.
Odds: 3/1

Roberto Luongo, G, Vancouver Canucks
The last keeper on the cover was John Vanbiesbrouck in '97. How lame does that pick look now? Still, Luongo's a Canuck, and they play only minutes from EA Canada-and the people there love their hockey.
Odds: 2/1

Check back for the official announcement soon!