Hockey season is in full swing and as we inch closer to the half way mark, many interesting story lines have emerged including the race for Rookie of the Year.

To this date, the race for 2006 NHL Rookie of the Year appears to be a battle between two number one draft picks, Sydney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins from 2005, and Alexander Ovechkin from the Washington Capitals drafted in 2004. Because of last year's NHL lockout, both are considered rookies this season.

Currently Ovechkin has accumulated more points, STATS, then Crosby, STATS. However, the race is tight and anything can happen in the second half of the season.

Executives at BetCRIS Sportsbook, the leading online gambling site with over 20 years of experience, posted odds on who will win the NHL Rookie of the Year award this season:

Who will win the 2005-2006 NHL Rookie of the Year?

--Sydney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins - 1.5 to 1 --Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals - 1.5 to 1 --None of the above - 1 to 20

"Both of these players are phenomenal athletes and at such a young age," said Mickey Richardson, CEO of BetCRIS. "Either player could win this award but Ovechkin's goal last Monday may have been one of the best I've ever seen."

More odds on the NHL and other sports can be found at BetCRIS.