Minn. Senator, St. Paul Mayor Bet Ill. Counterparts Over Playoffs
ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) -- As the NHL playoffs heat up for the Minnesota Wild, so too are the stakes rising between Minnesota and Illinois.
Also on Friday, St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman challenged Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel to a friendly bet on the second round series between the Wild and the Chicago Blackhawks.
Coleman said he was willing to put up a six-pack of Summit beer and a novelty size 25-pound Pearson's Salted Nut Roll on the line.
"I am confident the Wild will emerge victorious, and am putting some of my favorite St. Paul food and drink on the line to prove it," Coleman said.
Also on Friday, Sen. Al Franken wagered Ill. Sen. Mark Kirk a six pack of locally-made craft beer.
"The Wild have stormed in to the playoffs this year, looking to win their first Stanley Cup," Franken said. "It's going to be a great series against the Blackhawks, and if — or when — we win, I look forward to enjoying an ice-cold Illinois beer."
Sen. Kirk was more certain about the series' outcome.
"I look forward to enjoying a Minnesota craft beer courtesy of Sen. Franken after we issue his team a crushing defeat on our path to the Stanley Cup," Kirk said.
The Blackhawks are the current defending Stanley Cup champions. Last year, Emanuel collected on a bet with Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, receiving a stash that included authentic New England seafood.
The puck drops at 8:30 p.m. Friday night for the first game in the series.