There are several methods for betting on ice hockey, just like in any other sport. While not a single betting strategy pays off in 100% of scenarios, you could try using some of the tips listed in the read below as a starting point.
Check some handy betting strategy tips perfect for the NHL we share in this review.
Benefit from Underdogs
In the NHL, betting on underdogs can be extremely profitable as long as you get overly excited and enthusiastic. Since the NHL offers moneyline odds, there are always plenty of options to bet on plausible underdogs.
According to general statistics, underdogs win about 40% of the matches. Of course, you cannot simply pick an underdog in a random game, place a lavish parlay bet, and hope for the better. However, you can analyze individual matchups and decide whether there is sufficient data to justify a potential upset.
By the way, winning wagers on underdogs is even more satisfying since you get to outsmart the oddsmakers and earn more money from your bets. Naturally, it is vital to stay away from traps. If a wager looks too good to be true, it might usually be the case.
Avoid Most Popular Bets
Do not slavishly go with the flow. The most popular bets are not always the most successful ones. It is best to use your own technique and approach as well as analyze recent stats and other input data we share in the sections below.
Follow General Trends
The NHL betting trends are a useful tool for finding value. Season-to-season changes in teams, players, and coaches can make long-standing trends misleading.
However, seasonally focused trends can be very profitable, especially if they have a clear narrative or explanation. Also, the schedule for hockey is more hectic, with teams playing three to four times a week. So, these patterns are more likely to persist from one game to the next than those in football, where games are separated by one week.
Mind the Referee
It is crucial to remember that refereeing is a very important component of hockey betting. A referee’s impact on the outcome of the game can be significant because some allow more infractions during play than others. Check the referees for all the matches you plan to wager on and read about their patterns and backgrounds. In this case, you will have more ace cards up your sleeve.
Follow Injury Reports
When it comes to NHL betting odds, injuries on or out of the ice rink are a major factor. Players do come in and out of the lineup for brief or long periods of time due to the demanding nature of the game and hectic game schedules. Hockey bettors should consider how an injured player will alter the dynamics of the team and how much of the team’s performance hinges on the one missing piece.
Consider the Schedule
It matters! With teams frequently playing back-to-back games and traveling great distances, NHL betting is a challenge. As we already mentioned in the section above, the timing is crazy. It is essential to comprehend a team’s timetable and take into account the possible effects of exhaustion on their efficiency. When two teams are traveling and playing games one after another, the more rested team usually has a dramatically higher chance of performing well.
Check Starting Goalies
In hockey, goalies are essential and their performance may totally make or break the match. Prior to making your wager, always discover who is the one. Backups can play against a weaker opponent or on the second night of a back-to-back. Therefore, the result of the game can be influenced by such a strategy.
F.A.Q.
It depends. If you know the sport and its rules, you will have no issues placing a possibly winning wager. On the other hand, if you are a newbie, you need to get acquainted with the basics of the game to wager successfully.
As a fresh punter, you should probably choose a moneyline bet. It is the most straightforward one, and it is really easy to grasp.
If you are betting with a legal bookmaker, betting on the NHL is legal.