Understanding NHL Betting and NHL Betting Markets
NHL betting offers sports enthusiasts an opportunity to engage with games on a deeper level. The NHL, consisting of 32 teams across North America, provides numerous betting opportunities throughout its regular season and playoffs.
Understanding hockey betting markets is crucial for those looking to participate in hockey wagering.
Types of NHL Betting Markets
Hockey betting markets encompass various options for bettors to consider. These markets allow individuals to wager on different aspects of hockey games, from simple outcomes to more complex scenarios.
Money Line Betting
Money line betting is a straightforward form of NHL betting. In this market, bettors wager on which team will win the game outright.
For example, a bettor might place a money line bet on the Boston Bruins to defeat the New York Rangers. The odds for each team reflect their perceived likelihood of winning.
Spread Betting – Puck Line Betting
Puck line betting is the hockey equivalent of point spread betting in other sports. The standard puck line is typically set at 1.5 goals.
This means the favored team must win by more than 1.5 goals for bets on them to pay out, while the underdog can lose by up to one goal and still result in a winning bet for their backers.
Over/Under Betting – Totals Betting
Totals betting, also known as over/under betting, focuses on the combined number of goals scored by both teams in a game.
Sportsbooks set a line, and bettors wager on whether the actual total will be over or under that number.
For instance, if the total is set at 5.5 goals for a game between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers, bettors can wager on whether the combined score will exceed or fall short of this number.
Effective Hockey Betting Strategies
Successful NHL betting requires a combination of knowledge, analysis, and strategy. Bettors should consider various factors when making their bets.
Current Form and Schedules
A team's recent performance and upcoming schedule can significantly impact their play.
For example, a team on a long winning streak might be more likely to continue their success, while a team facing several games in quick succession may struggle with fatigue.
Analytics: Corsi, Fenwick, and Expected Goals
Advanced analytics play a crucial role in modern hockey analysis.
Metrics such as Corsi (shot attempt differential), Fenwick (unblocked shot attempt differential), and Expected Goals (a statistic based on the location of shots and how many goals would score from those places on average) provide insights into team and player performance beyond traditional statistics.
Injuries, Line Movement, and Referees
Keeping track of player injuries, line movements, and referee assignments can provide valuable information for hockey betting.
A key player's absence can significantly affect a team's performance, while line movements may indicate where the money is being placed.
Key Factors to Consider
When engaging in NHL betting, several factors should be taken into account to make informed decisions.
Matchups and Trends
Analyzing head-to-head records and historical trends between teams can reveal patterns that may influence game outcomes. For instance, certain teams may consistently perform well against specific opponents.
Brad Marchand and the Boston Bruins famously perform well against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Credit: Flickr
Situational Spot Bets
Situational betting involves considering factors such as travel schedules, back-to-back games, and motivational spots. A team playing their third game in four nights may be at a disadvantage against a well-rested opponent.
Prop Betting and Futures
NHL betting markets extend beyond single-game outcomes to include various proposition bets and futures markets.
Player Prop Bets
Player prop bets focus on individual player performance within a game. These can include wagers on whether a player will score a goal, record an assist, or achieve a certain number of shots on goal. For example, a bettor might wager on Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers to score two or more points in a game.
Team Prop Bets
Team prop bets involve wagering on specific team performances within a game. These can include bets on whether a team will score first, lead after the first period, or win by a certain margin.
NHL Season Futures Betting
Futures betting allows bettors to wager on long-term outcomes, such as which team will win the Stanley Cup or which player will lead the league in scoring. These bets often offer higher potential payouts due to their longer-term nature.
Live Betting and In-Game Wagering
Live betting, also known as in-game wagering, allows bettors to place bets while a game is in progress.
This dynamic form of betting can offer opportunities to capitalize on changing game situations and momentum shifts.
Making a Successful NHL Bet
To place a successful NHL bet, bettors should follow a structured approach.
Research Available Matchups
Before placing a wager, it's essential to research the available games and understand the context surrounding each matchup. This includes examining team statistics, player performance, and recent news.
Find the Best NHL Odds
Comparing odds across different sportsbooks can help bettors find the best value for their wagers. Odds can vary between bookmakers, and even small differences can significantly impact potential returns over time.
Log in/Sign up for a Sportsbook
To place an NHL bet online, bettors must have an account with a hockey sportsbook like BetMGM, BetRivers, or Bet365. Many online sportsbooks offer sign-up bonuses and promotions for new users.
Make Your Bet
Once research is complete and the best odds are identified, bettors can place their wagers through their chosen sportsbook. It's important to double-check all details before confirming the bet.
NHL Season and Playoff Betting
Betting strategies may differ between the regular season and playoffs due to the different nature of these periods.
NHL Season Betting Tips
During the regular season, factors such as travel schedules, divisional matchups, and team depth can play significant roles in game outcomes.
Bettors should consider these elements when making their wagers.
Playoff Betting Strategies
Playoff hockey often sees tighter, more defensive hockey played.
Understanding how teams perform in high-pressure situations and examining past playoff performances can provide valuable insights for betting during this period.
Best Hockey Betting Sites
Legal online sportsbooks offer competitive odds, a wide range of markets, and user-friendly interfaces for hockey betting.
- DraftKings: Not only a platform for placing bets but also offers expert predictions and betting tips for NHL games. Their analysis includes odds, over/under, and moneyline insights.
- FanDuel: Provides detailed picks and predictions, along with betting guides and strategy tips to help bettors make informed decisions.
- BetMGM: Features regular predictions and expert insights, covering all aspects of NHL betting, from game outcomes to individual player performances.
Free NHL Picks and Predictions
Many sports media websites, sportsbooks, and analysts offer free NHL picks and predictions. While these resources can be valuable, bettors should use them as part of a broader research strategy rather than relying on them exclusively.
Reliable Resources for Free NHL Picks and Predictions
Sports Media Websites
- ESPN NHL: Provides expert analysis, game previews, and predictions for NHL games. It's a trusted source for up-to-date information and insights.
- NHL.com: The official site of the NHL offers comprehensive coverage, including expert picks, player stats, and team performance analysis.
- CBS Sports NHL: Offers daily picks and analysis from seasoned sports analysts, focusing on game outcomes, player performances, and betting tips.
Using Picks and Predictions Effectively
While these resources provide valuable insights, it's crucial to incorporate them into a comprehensive research strategy:
- Diversify Information Sources: Don't rely solely on one site or analyst. Cross-reference predictions from multiple sources to get a well-rounded view.
- Analyze Team and Player Statistics: Look at current form, head-to-head records, injuries, and other relevant statistics that might influence the game outcome.
- Stay Updated with Latest News: Follow reliable news outlets and team announcements to stay informed about any last-minute changes or updates.
Free NHL picks and predictions are valuable tools, but combining them with thorough research and analysis can significantly enhance your betting strategy.
Responsible NHL Betting Practices
Always remember to bet responsibly. Here are some tips to ensure a healthy betting approach:
- Set a Budget: Determine how much you are willing to wager and stick to that amount.
- Avoid Chasing Losses: Don’t try to recover losses with bigger bets. Stick to your strategy.
- Take Breaks: Regularly step away from betting to maintain a balanced perspective.
NHL Betting Tips FAQ
Understanding Moneyline Bets
What is NHL Moneyline Betting?
Moneyline betting is one of the simplest forms of hockey betting, where you wager on which team will win a game outright. This type of bet is straightforward as it eliminates the need to consider the margin of victory.
For instance, in an NHL game between the Boston Bruins and the New York Rangers, a moneyline bet would involve choosing which team you think will win.
The odds for each team reflect their perceived likelihood of winning, with the favorite typically having lower odds and the underdog higher odds. This form of betting is popular among both novice and experienced bettors due to its simplicity.
Explaining Puck Line Betting in Hockey
How Does Puck Line Betting Work?
Puck line betting is the hockey equivalent of point spread betting in other sports. In this type of bet, a standard spread of 1.5 goals is usually set.
This means that the favored team must win by more than 1.5 goals for a bet on them to be successful, while the underdog can lose by up to a single goal and still result in a winning bet for their backers.
For example, if you bet on the Carolina Hurricanes with a puck line of -1.5 against the Ottawa Senators, the Hurricanes must win by at least two goals for you to win the bet. Conversely, if you bet on the Senators at +1.5, they need to either win the game or lose by just one goal.
Understanding Totals Betting in NHL Games
What is Over/Under Betting in Hockey?
Over/under betting, also known as totals betting, involves wagering on the total number of goals scored in a hockey game. Sportsbooks set a line, such as 5.5 goals, and bettors must decide whether the combined score of both teams will be over or under this number.
For instance, in a game between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers, if the over/under line is set at 5.5 goals, you would bet on whether the total goals scored by both teams will be more than 5.5 (over) or less than 5.5 (under).
This type of betting requires careful consideration of the teams' offensive and defensive capabilities, recent performance, and other factors that might influence scoring.
Utilizing Advanced Metrics for NHL Betting
How Important Are Advanced Analytics in Hockey Betting?
Advanced analytics play a crucial role in modern NHL betting. Metrics such as Corsi (shot attempt differential), Fenwick (unblocked shot attempt differential), and Expected Goals (xG) provide deeper insights into team and player performance beyond traditional statistics.
These analytics help bettors understand which teams are generating more scoring opportunities and controlling the puck more effectively.
For example, a team with a high Corsi percentage is often controlling the play and generating more shots, which can indicate better overall performance and potential success in future games. Utilizing these metrics can enhance your ability to make informed bets on NHL games.
Considering Injuries and Line Movements in Hockey Betting
How Do Injuries and Line Movements Affect NHL Betting?
Injuries to key players can significantly impact the outcome of an NHL game, making it essential for bettors to stay updated on the latest injury reports. A star player being out of the lineup can change the dynamics of a game, affecting both the team’s performance and the betting odds.
Additionally, line movements—changes in the betting odds—often indicate where the majority of money is being placed. Monitoring these movements can provide insights into market sentiment and potential shifts in the game's expected outcome.
For instance, if the odds on a team suddenly become less favorable, it might be due to a recent injury announcement or other significant factors.
Exploring Proposition Bets in NHL Betting
What Are Player and Team Prop Bets?
Prop bets, or proposition bets, focus on specific events within a game rather than the final outcome.
Player prop bets involve wagering on individual player performances, such as the number of goals a player will score, assists, or shots on goal. For example, you might bet on Connor McDavid to score two or more goals in a game.
Team prop bets, on the other hand, involve betting on particular team achievements within a game, such as which team will score first, lead after the first period, or win by a certain margin.
These bets add another layer of excitement and can be based on detailed player and team analysis.
Understanding Long-Term Bets in NHL Betting
What Are NHL Futures Bets?
Futures betting allows bettors to wager on long-term outcomes, such as which team will win the Stanley Cup or which player will lead the league in scoring by the end of the season.
These bets are placed well in advance of the outcome and often offer higher potential payouts due to their speculative nature.
For example, placing a futures bet on the Colorado Avalanche to win the Stanley Cup at the beginning of the season could yield significant returns if they succeed.
Futures bets require careful analysis of team rosters, offseason moves, and other factors that might influence performance over the season.
Exploring In-Game Wagering in Hockey
How Does Live Betting Work in NHL Games?
Live betting, or in-game wagering, allows bettors to place bets while a hockey game is in progress. This dynamic form of betting can offer opportunities to capitalize on changing game situations and momentum shifts.
For example, if a team starts strong and takes an early lead, you might place a bet on them to maintain that lead throughout the game.
Live betting requires quick decision-making and the ability to interpret the flow of the game in real time.
It can be particularly exciting as it keeps bettors engaged throughout the entire duration of the game, allowing for a more interactive and responsive betting experience.
Everything You Need On Hockey Betting
Meet our Authors
Paruyr Shahbazyan
Paruyr Shahbazyan started his business career as an entrepreneur in 2000. Over 13 years, he learned business and leadership, which laid the foundation for his career.
In 2013, Paruyr entered the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating, an online media platform he led until 2020. The platform focuses on in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting and has gained a reputation for quality content.
In 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This shows his commitment to technology in the sports betting space. Through all these experiences, Paruyr has been shaping and influencing the betting industry, setting new trends and standards.
Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports.
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Cristina Varela Galan
Cristina used to work as a Psychology Assistant in the Bizkaia Pathological and Risky Gamblers Association. She was also part of a research team in Deusto University, specializing in pathological gambling area. While working there, she managed to develop her own project
“Exploring the association between emotional regulation, alexithymia, stressful life events and gambling in adolescent and young adult women”.
Nick Ashbourne
Nick has been fascinated with sports since he was first taken to a Toronto Maple Leafs game in 1998, and he's been writing about them professionally since 2014.
Nick has covered baseball and hockey for outlets like The Athletic, Sportsnet, and Yahoo Sports while growing his expertise in sports data analysis and research.
Between 2022 and 2023, he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets. In 2024, he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the RG team.
Sergey Demidov
Sergey has been in sports journalism since 2007 as a reporter, editor, and manager. He has covered the Olympic Games, soccer World Cups, the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, the European championships, the Stanley Cup Finals, IOC events, and many others. Sergey interviewed the sport's greatest athletes, coaches, and executives. Since 2016, he has been an Independent Senior Editor of NHL.com/ru.
Anna Kravtcova
Ph.D. in organizational psychology, an internationally certified psychologist (EuroPsy 2022, Cognitive behavioural therapy of mindfulness 2020, International Society for Emotional Intelligence 2017, Russian Psychological society 2014, American Psychological Association(Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychologist) 2011), speaker of many international conferences (USA, Brazil, Portugal, Czech Republic, Russia, etc.). TEDx speaker.
