How to Bet on NHL Hockey: A Complete Beginner's Guide
What is NHL Betting?
NHL betting is the act of wagering on the outcome of National Hockey League (NHL) games. With its fast-paced action and high-scoring games, the NHL offers a unique and exciting betting experience. From the regular season to the Stanley Cup Finals, there are numerous opportunities to bet on your favorite teams and players.
Basic Rules and Format
The NHL season is comprised of a regular season and a postseason. In the regular season, each team plays 82 games. The top teams from each conference then advance to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, a single-elimination tournament that determines the NHL champion.
Types of Bets Available
Hockey betting has its own unique terminology and bet types, but also shares some similarities with other sports:
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Moneyline: The simplest way to bet on hockey. You are simply picking which team will win the game.
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Puck Line: Hockey's version of the point spread. The puck line is almost always set at -1.5 for the favorite and +1.5 for the underdog. The favorite must win by two or more goals, while the underdog can win the bet by winning the game or losing by a single goal.
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Totals (Over/Under): The sportsbook sets a total number of goals to be scored by both teams. You can bet on whether the actual total will be over or under that number.
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60-Minute Line (Three-Way Bet): This bet only includes the result at the end of regulation time. You can bet on either team to win or for the game to end in a tie.
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Prop Bets (Propositions): These are bets on specific events within a game, such as which player will score a goal, or a team's total shots on goal.
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Futures: Long-term bets on outcomes like which team will win the Stanley Cup or which player will win the Hart Trophy (MVP).
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Grand Salami: A unique bet that involves betting on the total number of goals scored across all games on a particular day.
Step-by-Step Guide to Placing a Bet
- Choose a Sportsbook: Select a legal and reputable online sportsbook.
- Create an Account: Sign up and deposit funds.
- Find the NHL Section: Navigate to the hockey or NHL section.
- Select a Game: Choose the game you want to bet on.
- Choose Your Bet: Select your desired bet type (moneyline, puck line, etc.).
- Enter Your Wager: Decide how much you want to bet.
- Confirm Your Bet: Review your bet slip and confirm your wager.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring Goalie Matchups: The starting goalie is one of the most important factors in a hockey game. Always check who is starting in net before placing a bet.
- Not Considering Special Teams: Power plays and penalty kills can have a huge impact on the outcome of a game.
- Overlooking Home-Ice Advantage: Home teams have a significant advantage in the NHL.
- Betting on Every Game: With so many games on the schedule, it's important to be selective and only bet on games where you have a clear edge.
Tips for Beginners
- Pay Attention to Line Movement: The betting lines can move based on a variety of factors, including injuries and betting trends.
- Look for Value in Underdogs: Hockey is a sport where underdogs can and do win on a regular basis.
- Consider the Schedule: Teams on long road trips or playing on back-to-back nights may be fatigued.
- Have Fun and Bet Responsibly: Set a budget and stick to it. Sports betting should be an enjoyable form of entertainment.