Ice hockey is one of the most exciting and fast-paced sports to watch and bet on. With games featuring heavy hitting, breakneck speed, and plenty of goals, there are ample opportunities for bettors. However, the speed of the game can also make betting tricky. Having a solid strategy is key to betting success in ice hockey. This article will provide tips and advice to help you make informed wagers and give you an edge.
Understanding the Basics of Betting on Ice Hockey
Before diving into strategies, it’s important to understand the basics of betting on ice hockey. Here are the key concepts:
- Moneyline – This is a bet on which team will win the game outright, regardless of the score. The odds are adjusted based on the perceived difference in team strength. Favourites have negative odds while underdogs have positive odds.
- Puck line – This is a bet with a handicap applied to the favourite. Common puck lines are -1.5 and +1.5. The team must cover the spread for a bet to win.
- Totals – Also known as over/unders, a total is the predicted number of goals scored in a game by both teams combined. Bettors wager whether the actual total will be over or under the set line.
- Prop bets – These bets are on outcomes other than the final score, such as which team scores first or whether a particular player will record a point.
Key Factors to Consider When Betting on Ice Hockey
To make smart wagers, there are several important factors to take into account:
- Home ice advantage – Home teams in the NHL win about 55% of the time. The crowd’s energy and familiarity with the arena often gives the home side an edge.
- Days rest – Teams playing on back-to-back nights or 3 games in 4 nights tend to perform worse due to fatigue. Look for scheduling advantages.
- Injuries – An injury to a star player or starting goalie can greatly impact a team’s chances. Monitor injury reports closely.
- Statistical trends – Analyse stats like shots on goal, power play %, save % etc. to identify betting value based on team strengths/weaknesses.
- Head-to-head history – Some teams simply match up better against certain opponents, so analyse how the teams have fared in recent meetings.
- Situational factors – Be aware of potential letdown spots like coming off a huge win or looking ahead to a rivalry game next.
Betting Tips and Strategies
Now let’s get into some actionable tips to implement in your hockey betting:
Fade Teams on Long Road Trips
Road trips of 4 games or more are gruelling for NHL teams. The travel and hotel stays take a toll. Target teams toward the end of a long trip, as they’ll often be drained. Their offence is usually sluggish and goalies worn out.
Target Bad Defensive Teams
Some teams have defences that resemble a sieve. Sort stats to find the bottom teams in goals against average, penalty kill percentage and shots allowed. These clubs will surrender plenty of scoring chances – take the over and opponents’ moneyline when they’re involved in games.
Bet the Under When Two Strong Goalies Meet
When two elite goalies square off, goals will be hard to come by. Study save percentage and goals against average stats to identify the top netminders. Unders have great value when they face each other since one goalie can stymie an entire offence.
Fade Teams With New Coaches
A new coach brings an adjustment period as players learn new tactics and systems. Look to fade teams in the first 10 games after a new coach takes over. The uncertainty often leads to lacklustre performances until the team adjusts.
Target Cold Goalies
Goalies are streaky by nature. If a goalie has posted an .850 save percentage or below in recent games, look to bet against his team. Once a goalie loses confidence, it’s hard to regain it quickly. His poor play will sink the team.
Review Referee Trends
Some refs call a tighter game with more penalties. Others let the teams play. Analyse historical data on which refs call more penalties and see if it coincides with teams that have a strong power play or penalty kill units.
Shop For the Best Odds
Don’t bet until you’ve compared odds at multiple sportsbooks. Each book will post slightly different odds and lines. Finding the best number for your preferred wager will boost your profits over the long run. Opening lines also offer betting value.
All in all, while betting on ice hockey can be tricky, following smart strategies based on statistical analysis, situational factors and research will put you in a position to win. Understanding the different betting markets – along with proper bankroll management – is key. With hockey being a sport with fast-moving action and star power, there are ample chances to profit for disciplined bettors. Just remember to gamble responsibly and enjoy the thrills of profiting from this great sport.