Introduction to Ice Hockey Betting
Ice hockey’s most popular league is the NHL, the star-studded top level of the sport, hosting the most prestigious title in ice hockey, the Stanley Cup.
The fast-paced and hard-hitting sport provides a great range of betting markets, and planning a strategy and managing your bankroll are key components of forging a long-term, safe, and enjoyable sports betting experience.
Popular Ice Hockey Betting Markets
A strong working knowledge of the most popular ice hockey markets will put you in good standing, and here are some of the most popular markets around:
Moneyline Bets
A bettor selects which team will win the match (including overtime) on the moneyline. Sometimes the match-winner market can be a three-way market, including the draw and not overtime.
Puck Line Bets
The puck line is a spread bet on goals. A Columbus Blue Jackets -1.5 puck line option would need them to win by at least two goals, while a +1.5 would mean that they couldn’t lose by more than one. Puck Line is a good alternative to the moneyline when there is a heavy favourite.
Totals (Over/Under)
Totals markets in ice hockey betting focus on the total goals scored in a game, with a selection on over or under a set amount. A total goals bet can also be taken on one team or on just one period of play.
Player Prop Bets
By analysing player scoring and assist form, prop bets can be studied, like a player to have +1.5 assists or how many shots on goal they will produce. Team props are also available, such as total goals, penalties conceded, or power-play goals.
Futures
It’s common to place pre-season wagers on markets like the Stanley Cup Champions or winners of divisions and conferences. Teams can also be backed long-term just to qualify for the playoffs.
Live Betting
Live odds reflect the situation on the ice in real-time, but it’s important to have a betting plan and not let emotional wagering take over. Live strategies include waiting with the score at 0-0 before betting on totals or backing a favourite when they have fallen behind in a fixture.
Effective Ice Hockey Betting Strategies
For sustained long-term betting on ice hockey, set yourself up with a strategy that includes bankroll management for responsible gambling and these other important factors:
Research Team and Player Form
Do extensive research into win-loss records, head-to-head records, current scoring, and defensive stats to help determine which side of a market to bet on.
Home and Away Performance
When teams travel, it can take its toll mentally and physically, which will affect performance. Home teams tend to be more aggressive, so always consider schedules and study respective home and away records.
Matchup Analysis
Teams play with different styles and change their approach to different games with different tactics. A high-scoring team may play more cautiously against a team with a fast counterattack, for example. Different team tactics and strengths influence outcomes.
Goaltender Performance
Monitor goalie stats, as they can be huge difference-makers. Similarly, if a top goaltender is missing, that could leave a team vulnerable, so always check starting line-ups and injury news.
Advanced Ice Hockey Betting Strategies
Developing ice hockey betting strategies will benefit your experience. Here are some pointers for advanced techniques.
Value Betting
Value betting is extremely important and requires knowledge of implied probability. If you think an away team has a 36% chance of winning, but a bookmaker has them at longer odds equivalent to a 33% chance, your bet has value.
Statistical Analysis
The deeper into specific ice hockey statistics you go, the better. Dig into current and historical statistics to piece together the likelihood of an outcome. Advanced ice hockey stats like Corsi, which measures shot attempt differentials, and Fenwick can offer big insights.
Situational Betting
Assess what a match means to a team, such as securing a playoff spot and one desperate to snap a losing streak at home against a big rival.
Monitoring Betting Trends
Odds are posted on a market well in advance, providing a history so you can track where the flow of money has been going. Examine why the money has been heading in a certain direction, and the movement will also impact the odds on your selection.
Key Factors to Consider in Ice Hockey Betting
Beyond the statistics of form, another thing to factor in for ice hockey betting is external influences.
Coaching Strategies
How a team approaches a game tactically is all down to the head coach. Some teams are happy to throw everything at quick transitions from defence to offence, while others will take their time to gain the zone. Understanding a coach and how they may tactically react can help a lot with in-play betting.
Team Chemistry and Motivation
Teams need to have good chemistry, especially when going through tough times. Look for signs that a team may not be happy behind the scenes with things like disputes and complaints about playing time. Harmonious teams play better, especially in high-pressure situations like the playoffs.
Referee Impact
How the referee handles a game in regard to calling penalties will influence how much the game will flow. Check to see who is officiating a match to see if they are someone who tends to be harsh with calls or a highly respected referee who lets the players get on with the physical aspect.
Public Sentiment
Public sentiment can be misleading for betting odds, especially on big games, like the opening match of the Stanley Cup finals. The extra interest even by casual bettors who just bet on the match favourite can skew a market. Be aware of what the biases do for the odds and implied probability of outcomes.
In Conclusion
Trust your research for the final ice hockey betting decisions you make. These should all come from specific research into stats that are relevant to the market.
Always track the results of your strategy so that you can adjust it and balance all your betting with a sensible staking plan. Then check out reputable sportsbooks to place your ice hockey bets, shop around for the strongest price for your bet, and as always bet responsibly.