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.
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
Nick has been fascinated with sports since he was first taken to a Toronto Maple Leafs game back in 1998, and he's written about them professionally since 2014.
Nick has covered baseball and hockey for outlets like The Athletic, Sportsnet, and Yahoo Sports, and his sports betting expertise has grown since its legalization in Ontario in 2022.
Between 2022 and 2023 he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets, and in 2024 he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the Responsible Gambling team.
Everything You Need On Hockey Betting
Meet Our Experts
Paruyr Shahbazyan
Paruyr Shahbazyan began his business career in 2000 as a private entrepreneur. Over thirteen years, he developed a deep understanding for business and leadership, laying a solid foundation for his professional journey.
In 2013, Paruyr stepped into the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating. This online mass media platform, which he led until 2020, focused on providing in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting, earning a reputation for its quality content.
Continuing his innovative approach in 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This venture showcases his dedication to integrating advanced technology in the evolving landscape of sports betting. Through these diverse experiences, Paruyr has continuously influenced and shaped the betting industry, driving new trends and setting high standards.
| Experience | Year |
| Engaged in private entrepreneurship | 2000-2013 |
| Founder and President at Bookmaker Rating, an online platform focused on sports and betting | 2013-2020 |
| Co-founder at Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol | 2022 |
"Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports."
- Paruyr Shahbazyan, Founder, RG
Principles and Ethics
Paruyr Shahbazyan's core beliefs lie in the power of informed decision-making and integrity in the betting industry. He understands that the foundation of successful betting is not just about odds and predictions, but also about the trust and reliability of the information provided. Paruyr advocates for a betting environment where transparency and knowledge are paramount, ensuring that bettors are well-equipped with accurate data and insights.
Strategic Vision
Paruyr's vision is to revolutionize the sports betting industry through the integration of technology. He sees the future of betting as a blend of traditional sports knowledge with innovative tech solutions, like decentralized protocols, to enhance user experience and fairness. His aim is to create platforms that are not only user-friendly but also uphold the highest standards of ethical betting, contributing to a more responsible and enjoyable betting culture.
Future Perspectives
Looking towards the future, Paruyr envisions a betting landscape that is more inclusive, technologically advanced, and globally connected. He anticipates a significant shift towards more decentralized and transparent betting systems, driven by blockchain technology. Paruyr is committed to being at the forefront of this change, continuously exploring new possibilities and innovations that can redefine what it means to engage in sports betting in a digital world. His focus is on building systems that prioritize user empowerment, fairness, and the global growth of the sports betting community.
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Sol has over 20 years of experience in writing for diverse industries including sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups. As the Editor-in-Chief at RG.org, Sol brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, focusing on delivering transparent, evidence-based content grounded in thorough research. Sol's mission is to empower readers to enjoy gambling responsibly and make informed decisions, enhancing their overall experience through insightful and engaging content. Under Sol's leadership, RG.org prioritizes the highest standards of integrity and reliability, ensuring that all information provided is accurate and trustworthy. Sol's dedication to transparency and research-based writing helps create a responsible gambling environment where readers can truly benefit from the content. This commitment to excellence has positioned RG.org as a leading source of information in the gambling industry.
Experience:
- Over 20 years in writing and editing across multiple industries
- Former head of regional innovation at BMO Finanacial Group
- Senior Writer, Online Casino Reports
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 back in 1998, and he's written about them professionally since 2014.
Nick has covered baseball and hockey for outlets like The Athletic, Sportsnet, and Yahoo Sports, and his sports betting expertise has grown since its legalization in Ontario in 2022.
Between 2022 and 2023 he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets, and in 2024 he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the Responsible Gambling 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.
Mark Medina
Mark Medina is a longtime NBA reporter that includes stints as a Lakers blogger with The Los Angeles Times (2010-12), Lakers beat writer with the Los Angeles Daily News (2012-17), Warriors beat writer with Bay Area News Group (2017-19) as well as an NBA reporter/columnist for USA Today (2019-21) and NBA.com (2021-23). Medina is also an NBA insider with Fox Sports Radio and frequent contributor to CBSLA's SportsCentralLA with Jim Hill and with Spectrum Sportsnet.
Daria Tuboltseva
Daria went to St. Petersburg State University and earned a bachelor of international journalism. Working as a sports journalist from 2014, from 2016 as a hockey journalist. Covered 5 World Championships, 2022 Winter Olympics, 2020 World Juniors, 6 Gagarin Cup Finals.
Owner of a telegram channel Coolest Game on Earth.
Integrative nutritionist specializing on sports nutritionology.
Paul M. Banks
Paul M. Banks is a professional Content Creator whose career has seen bylines in numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Yahoo, MSN, FOX Sports and Sports Illustrated.
Banks has made scores of guest appearances on live radio and television, featuring regularly on NTD News, WGN-TV, CCTV, ESPN Radio, the History Channel, SiriusXM and CBS Sports Radio.
He is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank.net, which has been featured and linked in hundreds of leading media outlets all across the world.
He has also authored two books, one of which, "No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in Sports Media," became an assigned textbook in journalism courses at State University New York-Oneonta.
Marco D'Amico
Marco D'Amico is a beat reporter covering the Montreal Canadiens and the NHL Draft, while also being a recurring guest on TSN690 and BPM Sports. His work primarily on NHL CBA breakdowns and prospect analysis, all while covering the Montreal Canadiens on a day-to-day basis.
Crissy Froyd
Crissy Froyd is a sports reporter of over 10 years who specializes in quarterback analysis at the high school, college and NFL level. She was mentored by Mike Leach and learned the Air Raid offense and quarterback evaluation largely under the legendary head coach. Froyd has appeared in and worked with multiple publications, including USA TODAY SMG, Sports Illustrated, NBC Sports and Saturday Down South. She also covers canine journalism for Showsight Magazine and resides in Wisconsin with her three dogs -- two German Shepherds named Faxon and Bo Nix, and one Siberian Husky named Stetson "Balto" Bennett.
Brendon R. Elliott
Brendon Elliott, a distinguished PGA Professional, is best known for his dedication to the growth and development of junior golf. With nearly three decades of experience, Elliott has been recognized multiple times as one of the best instructors, both regionally and nationally.
Elliott's crowning achievement was being named the 2017 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award Winner, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication. He is the founder of Little Linksters, an award-winning youth golf academy and nonprofit that works with kids of all abilities to help them develop a passion for golf. His innovative teaching methods and love for the game have made significant impacts on students and the broader golfing community.
Additionally, Brendon, a Golf Writers Association of America member, has become a renowned freelance golf writer, further solidifying his position as a top professional in the industry.
Garrett Kerman
Garrett Kerman also goes by the name of The Fight Analyst. He is a writer and analyst who covers the world of combat sports. He's covered some of the biggest events in combat sports with interviews from some of the biggest names in the sport. Garrett has a vast knowledge of MMA, boxing, and even bare-knuckle fighting that he brings to the table in his content. Whether you're looking for exclusive content, fighter interviews, breaking news, or expert analysis Garrett Kerman has got you covered!
Simon Head
Simon is a sports journalist and MMA reporter with 25+ years' experience covering sports and 15+ years covering mixed martial arts as one of the UK's longest-tenured MMA journalists. He also has more than a decade of experience working in the betting and gaming industry.
He has provided coverage for a plethora of major sports outlets, including BBC Sport, USA Today, Daily Mirror and BT Sport, and has covered Olympic Games, World Cups, FA Cup Finals and UFC title fights during his career.
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi is a sports reporter who focuses on football, basketball and pro wrestling. He has covered some of the biggest sporting events, including the NBA Finals and Wrestlemania and often interviews high-profile athletes on a weekly basis. Siddiqi has interviewed the likes of Dan Marino, Emmitt Smith, Shaquille O'Neal, Tony Hawk and Giannis Antetokounmpo. His previous experience includes working as a lead NBA writer at CBS Sports and 247 Sports in addition to working as a beat reporter covering the NFL and the Denver Broncos at Bleacher Report. Follow Siddiqi for exclusive one-on-one interviews and analysis on key topics in sports
Alex Kennedy
Alex Kennedy is an NBA reporter, editor and podcaster. He has covered the NBA for the last 19 years, writing for ESPN, HoopsHype, USA TODAY Sports, Bleacher Report, and Basketball News among others. As the Chief Content Officer at Basketball News, he built and managed the staff, which consisted of journalists and former NBA players. His Twitter account is featured in NBA 2K each year.
Mike Rosenberg
Mike made the decision to dive headfirst into the booming world of sports betting fresh out of college. Back in the day, when 1-800 pick lines and sports pagers were all the rage, he couldn't resist the allure, having grown up idolizing sports legends like Sweetness, MJ, and Slammin Sammy. Mike dedicated his early years to the industry, tirelessly analyzing games, writing articles with free picks, and selling his expertise on reputable handicapping sites. Unlike many others, Mike was known for his integrity and only released one Game of the Year per sport, per season. His hard work and unwavering commitment paid off, earning him a devoted following and propelling his career to new heights. Then came the explosion of Daily Fantasy Sports. Believe it or not, companies like DraftKings and FanDuel used to pay Mike's company to increase their brand exposure. Now, those same industry giants don't even bother responding to his emails. While Mike appreciates the convenience of being able to place legal bets in his own backyard, he can't help but feel disheartened by what has become of the industry. People are being led astray, falsely believing that a mere $5 wager on a 20-team same-game-parlay will be their ticket to financial security. If there’s one thing Mike learned from making book back in the day, it’s that parlays are a bookie’s best friend. A bankroll is the only leg you have to stand on in the battle with the books, and Mike’s here to offer up advice on how to protect it.
Nikhil Narain
Nikhil Narain is a die-hard cricket romantic, published author, and has worked for some of the leading digital websites and broadcasters in India and overseas. An alumnus of the London School of Economics, Nikhil's forte is using data and numbers creatively to weave interesting stories and revolutionize the way cricket statistics are generated and analyzed.
Erik Uebelacker
Erik Uebelacker is a legal reporter for Courthouse News Service, where he covers high-profile trials in New York City. In his spare time, he likes to write about people punching each other in the face.
James Murphy
With 24 years of experience (SiriusXM NHL Network Radio, ESPN Boston, NESN, NHL.com, etc.) covering the Bruins, the NHL, NCAA and junior hockey, and more, Jimmy Murphy’s hockey black book is filled with Hall of Famers, current players, coaches, management, scouts and a wide array of hockey media personalities that have lived in and around this great game. For 22 of his 24 years as a hockey and sports reporter, Murphy covered the Bruins on a daily basis, including their victorious 2011 Stanley Cup run and their runs to the 2013 and 2019 Finals. Murphy is currently a co-host, along with Pierre McGuire, on The Eye Test Podcast.
Jim Biringer
Having 10 years of experience (SiriusXM NHL Network Radio, Rod Pedersen Show, Raw Mike Richards Show, and more) covering the Devils, the NHL along with College Football, the NFL, and the tennis circuit Jim Biringer has wealth of sports knowledge. As one of Jim's hockey coaches put it he is a "student of the game." During his time as a sports reporter, Biringer has covered some of the biggest events including most recently the 2024 Stanley Cup Final along with several NHL Drafts. He is also the host of the Full Press Hockey Podcast and Final Word on Hockey plus Around Campus - The College Football Podcast.
