NHL betting strategy guide: Tips, predictions and advice

NHL betting strategy guide: Tips, predictions and advice

You can go with your gut when you’re still starting, but sooner or later, you’re going to need a solid NHL betting strategy. This will make the difference between getting a decent number of wins and pointlessly throwing money away.

In this tutorial, we'll cover all the aspects of NHL betting, highlighting the typical markets and giving useful tips you can use to create the ideal NHL betting strategy. we'll also mention a few benefits and drawbacks of using strategies to bet on hockey matches at NHL betting sites.

NHL betting

The National Hockey League (NHL) is one of North America's most exciting sports leagues, featuring high-speed hockey action and unpredictable outcomes. With 32 teams and an 82-game regular season, ice hockey bettors have no shortage of betting opportunities.

Like other sports gambling, NHL gambling involves predicting game results, player performance, and season-long outcomes. Because hockey is such an unpredictable sport, an NHL gambling strategy is necessary if you're likely to get more from your overall gambling experience. A well-considered strategy has enabled me to cut through the volatility and make more informed, typically profitable decisions.

NHL gambling strategy starts with an understanding of bet types

A winning NHL betting strategy always starts with knowing your bet types. Each offers unique risks and rewards, so it’s important to make sure you’re clear on how they work before putting down your money.

Moneyline

  • The moneyline is the simplest bet to add to your NHL, NBA, or even NFL betting strategy.
  • Simply pick which team will win.
  • Because NHL games can't end in a tie thanks to overtime and shootouts, there are only two outcomes.
  • This simple bet should be a staple for beginners.

Puck Line (Spread)

The puck line is the equivalent of hockey's point spread, which is usually +1.5 goals. When you bet on the favorite, they must win by two goals or more. When you bet on the underdog, they may lose by one goal or win outright. Puck line bets offer superior odds to moneylines but are more risky, so they're a good option if you're looking for value.

Totals (Over/Under)

Totals bets (Over/Under) are placed on the combined goals by both teams. The sportsbook sets a line (e.g., 6.5 goals), and you wager on whether the eventual total will be higher or lower than that. It is a good bet if you have an idea of the tempo of the game or the quality of the goalies.

Props

Prop bets enable you to wager on specific events in a game, for example, the first goal scorer, player points, or the number of saves made by a goalie. With the right prop betting strategy, these can add variety and fun, especially if you follow player news and trends.

Futures

Futures bets are season-long wagers on outcomes like the Stanley Cup champion, Conference or Division winners. They carry greater odds, but patience and a keen sense of season-long trends are needed to take advantage.

Parlays and live betting

Parlays combine multiple bets on one ticket for a greater possible payout, but all the selections must win. A solid NHL live betting strategy has always helped me place bets during ongoing games, capitalizing on momentum swings or injuries.

Basic NHL betting tips – What beginner bettors need to know

If you are new to NHL betting, then some free NHL betting tips can set you off on the right foot. Even if you are more experienced, it is always worth opening yourself up to new ways of going about your betting in order to constantly improve your skills.

Research Team and Player Form

We never place a bet without checking recent team form, injuries, and head-to-heads. Goalie form is especially important in hockey. One hot or cold goaltender can alter the outcome of a game. Look for trends in scoring, defense, and special teams to find value.

Understand Home Ice Advantage

Teams perform better at home, thanks to crowd support, familiar ice, and less travel stress. Factor this into your NHL betting model, especially when a home team is welcoming a fatigued visitor or has a strong home record.

Track Line Movements

Keep in mind that odds can shift before puck drop, as sportsbooks react to news and betting action. So, track sharp line movements, which can indicate where smart money is going. If you see a line move without obvious news, it's an indication to do some more research.

Manage Your Bankroll

When the season comes around, we like to set a budget and stick to it, betting small, flat amounts. Any decent online betting guide will tell you that chasing losses is a sure way to go broke. Flat betting, or betting the same amount on every bet, is a good practice that keeps me disciplined and, in the game, longer.