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Betting On Hockey

Betting On Hockey

Hockey betting adds a thrilling layer to the game, making every goal, power play, and overtime moment even more exciting. Whether you're a seasoned bettor or a newcomer, understanding NHL betting markets can help you make informed wagers. This guide covers everything from money line and puck line bets to advanced strategies, prop bets, and bankroll management techniques. With expert insights and up-to-date trends, you’ll gain the knowledge needed to maximize your betting potential on one of the most exciting sports in the world.

Everett Campbell
Written by Everett Campbell - Updated 2025-03-03 - Reading time: 5 minutes.

Money Line Betting Strategies

Money line bets involve picking a team to win outright. To maximize success, consider these strategies:

  • Analyze Team Form: Look at recent performances, injuries, and head-to-head matchups.
  • Consider Home vs. Away Records: Some teams perform significantly better at home than on the road.
  • Study Goalie Matchups: NHL games can be heavily influenced by the starting goalie. Check save percentages and recent performance.
  • Market Movements: Watch how the odds shift; if a line moves significantly, sharp bettors may have placed large bets.

Example:

  • Pittsburgh Penguins (+115)
  • Edmonton Oilers (-130)

If you bet on the Penguins at +115, a $100 bet would return $215 if they win outright.

Puck Line Strategies

The puck line is a variation of the point spread, usually set at 1.5 goals. This bet can provide better payouts but also requires a strong understanding of team performance.

  • When to Bet the Favorite (-1.5): Only bet when the favorite is dominant and has a strong offensive lineup.
  • When to Bet the Underdog (+1.5): Consider teams with solid defense or elite goaltending that can keep games close.
  • Overtime Consideration: Remember, a shootout win counts as a one-goal victory.

Example:

  • Chicago Blackhawks +1.5 (-150)
  • Montreal Canadiens -1.5 (+130)

Here, a bet on the Canadiens means they must win by at least two goals.

Over/Under (Totals) Betting

Totals betting involves predicting whether the combined score of both teams will be over or under a set line.

  • Team Scoring Trends: Check how frequently teams exceed or fall below the posted total.
  • Goaltender Impact: Strong goalies can lead to low-scoring games, while weak goaltending results in higher totals.
  • Special Teams Play: Power-play efficiency and penalty-kill stats can impact goal totals.

Example:

  • Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Buffalo Sabres – O/U: 6 goals

If the final score is 4-3 (7 total goals), the over wins.

Grand Salami Betting

The Grand Salami is a bet on the total goals scored across all NHL games on a given day.

  • High-Scoring vs. Low-Scoring Matchups: Check if the day has offensively strong teams or elite goalies.
  • Team Rest and Fatigue: Back-to-back games can impact goal production.
  • Trend Analysis: Review previous high-scoring days to spot patterns.

Example:

  • Total goals for all games: O/U 55.5

If the combined goals exceed 55, the over wins.

Prop Betting Strategies

Prop bets focus on specific in-game events rather than game outcomes.

  • Player Props: Bet on individual player performances, such as goals, assists, or total shots.
  • Game Props: Bet on first team to score, total penalties, or the number of shots in a game.
  • Live Props: These bets adjust in real-time based on game flow and player performance.

Example:

  • Will Auston Matthews score a goal? (+150)

Live Betting Strategies

Live betting allows you to place wagers as the game unfolds.

  • Watch for Momentum Shifts: Teams that start slow but dominate late periods may present live betting opportunities.
  • Use Advanced Stats: Monitor possession metrics like expected goals (xG) to identify value.
  • Take Advantage of Power Plays: Teams on a power play have higher chances of scoring, so odds may shift significantly.

Bankroll Management Techniques

Proper bankroll management is crucial for long-term success.

  • Flat Betting: Wager the same amount per bet to control risk.
  • Kelly Criterion: Adjust bet size based on confidence level and expected value.
  • Unit System: Use a standard unit size (e.g., 1-5% of your bankroll) to measure bet strength.

Using Statistics and Data for Betting

Advanced stats can improve betting decisions.

  • Corsi & Fenwick: Measure shot attempt differentials to assess puck possession.
  • Expected Goals (xG): Predict how many goals a team is likely to score based on shot quality.
  • PDO: A luck-based stat combining shooting percentage and save percentage to spot regression trends.

How to Choose the Best Sportsbook

Not all sportsbooks are created equal. Consider:

  • Odds Comparison: Find sportsbooks that offer the best lines.
  • Bonuses & Promotions: Take advantage of sign-up bonuses and free bets.
  • Betting Markets: Choose a site that offers a wide range of NHL betting options.

Questions About NHL Betting

  • What is the best strategy for money line betting?

    Successful money line betting involves analyzing team performance, goalie matchups, and recent trends. Look for value in underdog bets when a team is underrated by the sportsbook.

  • How does the puck line differ from the money line?

    The puck line is similar to a point spread, typically set at 1.5 goals. Betting on the favorite at -1.5 means they must win by at least two goals, while betting on the underdog at +1.5 means they can lose by one goal and still cover.

  • What factors influence Over/Under betting?

    Key factors include team offensive and defensive stats, goaltender performance, special teams efficiency, and recent scoring trends.

  • What is Grand Salami betting?

    Grand Salami betting involves wagering on the total number of goals scored across all NHL games on a given day. Bettors can take the over or under on the sportsbook’s set total.

  • Can I bet on individual player performances?

    Yes, sportsbooks offer player prop bets on statistics like goals, assists, total shots, and more. These bets allow you to wager on specific player achievements.

  • What is live betting in NHL games?

    Live betting allows you to place bets while the game is in progress. Odds change dynamically based on real-time events, such as goals, penalties, and momentum shifts.

  • How can I manage my bankroll effectively?

    Bankroll management involves setting a budget, using a unit betting system, and avoiding reckless wagers. The Kelly Criterion can help determine optimal bet sizes.

  • How do I choose a reputable sportsbook?

    Look for licensed Canada sportsbooks with competitive odds, a variety of betting options, and secure payment methods. Reviews and user feedback can help identify trustworthy sites.