Understanding NHL Betting
Ice Hockey devotees, both in North America and globally, keenly anticipate the NHL season’s start each year. The NHL, with its 32 teams competing for the Stanley Cup, affords numerous chances for fans of Online Sports Betting to participate in the action. The fast-paced regular season and the high-stakes playoffs allow NHL betting fans to wager on the puck line, moneyline, and over/under totals for each match.
Juice or Vig
In NHL betting, juice or vig is the commission charged by the sportsbook or bookmaker for placing a wager. The juice is typically represented as a percentage of the total amount bet, with a common rate being around 10% of the bet.
For example, let’s say you want to bet on an upcoming NHL game and the sportsbook offers odds of -110 on your chosen team. This means you would need to wager $110 to win $100 if your team comes out on top. If the sportsbook charges a 10% juice on your bet, you would need to wager $121 ($110 + $11 commission) to potentially win $100.
Puck Line
In NHL betting, the puck line is also a popular type of bet. The favored team is indicated by a minus (-) sign, while the underdog is indicated by a plus (+) sign.
For example, let’s say the Boston Bruins are playing the New York Rangers, and the puck line is:
- Boston Bruins: -1.5
- New York Rangers: +1.5
In this case, the Bruins are the favorite and are giving 1.5 points, while the Rangers are the underdog and are receiving 1.5 points. This means that the Bruins would need to win the game by more than 1.5 goals to cover the puck line, while the Rangers could lose by up to 1 goal and still cover the puck line.
If you bet on the Bruins, they would need to win by at least 2 goals for you to win the bet. If they win by exactly 1 goal, the bet would be considered a push and your wager would be refunded. On the other hand, if you bet on the Rangers, they would need to either win the game outright or lose by 1 goal or less for you to win the bet.
For instance, if the final score of the game is Bruins 4, Rangers 2, the Bruins would cover the puck line because they won by 2 goals, which is more than the 1.5-point puck line. However, if they only win by 1 goal, they would not cover the puck line and a bet on the Rangers would win.
Moneyline
Moneyline betting is a popular form of sports betting that allows bettors to wager on the team they think will win the game. In NHL betting, the moneyline odds are determined by the sportsbook and indicate which team is the favorite and which is the underdog.
For example, let’s say the Boston Bruins are playing the Toronto Maple Leafs and the moneyline odds for the game are as follows:
- Boston Bruins: -120
- Toronto Maple Leafs: +140
In this scenario, the Boston Bruins are the favorite to win the game, as indicated by the negative number (-120). This means that a bettor would need to wager $120 on the Bruins to win $100 if they are victorious.
On the other hand, the Toronto Maple Leafs are the underdog, as indicated by the positive number (+140). This means that a bettor who wagers $100 on the Maple Leafs would win $140 if they pull off the upset and win the game.
If you believe that the Boston Bruins will win the game, you would need to wager $120 to win $100. Alternatively, if you think the Toronto Maple Leafs will win, you would only need to wager $100 to win $140. Remember, moneyline bets only require you to pick the winner of the game, and the odds reflect the probability of each team winning.
Over/Under Bets
In NHL betting, an over-under bet, also known as a totals bet, is a type of wager where you predict whether the total combined score of both teams in a game will be over or under a predetermined number set by the sportsbook.
For example, let’s say the Montreal Canadiens are playing the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the over/under total for the game is set at 5.5 goals. If you bet the over, you are betting that the total combined score of both teams will be more than 5.5 goals. But, if your bet is the under, you are betting that the total combined score of both teams will be less than 5.5 goals.
If the final score of the game is Canadiens 3, Maple Leafs 2, the total combined score would be 5 goals, which is lower than the over/under total of 5.5 goals. Therefore, if you bet the under, your bet would win.
On the other hand, if the final score of the game is Canadiens 4, Maple Leafs 3, the total combined score would be 7 goals, which is higher than the over/under total of 5.5 goals. In this case, if you bet the over, your bet would win.
In this type of bet, the outcome of the game is not as important as the total number of goals scored by both teams, which can make for an exciting and unpredictable betting experience for NHL fans.
NHL Stats
NHL betting stats refer to the statistical information that bettors use to make informed wagers on NHL games. These stats provide valuable insights into team and player performance, as well as trends and patterns in historical data. Some important NHL betting stats to consider include: goaltending, player stats, team stats, and betting trends.
Goaltending Stats Analyzing a goaltender’s save percentage, goals against average, and shutouts can provide insight into a team’s performance and help you make informed wagers.
Betting trends
Allows you to track the historical performance of a particular team or conference against the spread or over/under totals, therefore you can identify potential patterns or trends that could affect the outcome of a game.
Latest NHL Picks
At Sports Betting AI, we offer both AI Picks and Expert Picks to help you make profitable betting decisions. Whether you choose to rely primarily on AI or expert analysis, or a combination of both, we’re here to provide you with the insights and tools you need to succeed in the exciting world of sport
NHL Betting Tips
Consider Computer Picks
If you are looking to make smarter bets, Artificial Intelligence is an exciting new development in the world of sports betting, especially when it comes to Hockey. It has been trained to analyze data and provide insights to help you make better decisions when placing your bets. With its assistance, you can increase your chances of success and hopefully come out on top. So why not give it a try?
Shop for the Best Odds
It’s important to compare odds from multiple sportsbooks before placing your bet. Even a slight variation in odds can make a big difference to your potential payout. Use odds comparison websites or apps to find the best value.
Analyze Team Performance
Before placing a bet, take the time to research each team’s recent performance. Consider factors such as winning streaks, goal differentials, and team chemistry. Also, look at how the teams have fared against each other in the past.
Consider Injuries and Lineups
Injuries and changes to team lineups can significantly impact a game’s outcome. Make sure to check for any player injuries or lineup changes before placing your bet. Even one key player being absent can affect a team’s performance.
Look at Home and Away Records
NHL teams often have distinct records when playing at home versus playing away. Take note of each team’s home and away records and how they compare to their opponent’s records. A team’s home ice advantage can be a significant factor in their success.
Consider Betting Tools
Using betting tools can be an effective way to improve your chances of success in sports betting. Two popular tools that you may want to consider are the parlay calculator and the odds calculator. The Parlay calculator that we offer helps you to calculate potential payouts for combined bets, while the odds calculator will help you determine the implied probability of a particular betting line.
Legal States for NHL Betting
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Delaware
- Rhode Island
- Mississippi
- West Virginia
- New Mexico
- Arkansas
- New York
- Iowa
- Oregon
- Indiana
- New Hampshire
- Montana
- Colorado
- Illinois
- Tennessee
- Michigan
- Virginia
- Washington DC
- Wyoming
- Arizona
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- South Dakota
- North Carolina
- Colorado
- Ohio
- Connecticut
- Nebraska
- Massachusetts
- North Dakota
- Missouri
- Kentucky
- Georgia
- Florida
- Maine
- South Carolina
- Texas
NHL Season and Stanley Cup
The NHL season is a professional ice hockey league that consists of 32 teams from the United States and Canada. The regular season typically starts in October and lasts until April, during which each team plays 82 games. The teams are divided into two conferences and four divisions, with each team playing against their divisional opponents more frequently than teams in other divisions. The top three teams from each division and two wild card teams from each conference advance to the playoffs, which consist of four rounds of best-of-seven series, culminating in the Stanley Cup Finals. The team that wins the Finals is crowned the NHL champion.
The NHL season is known for its fast-paced and physical gameplay, with players skating on ice and using sticks to shoot a rubber puck into the opposing team’s net. Each team is allowed to have six players on the ice at a time, including a goaltender who tries to stop the opposing team from scoring. The league features some of the best players in the world, including household names like Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, and Alexander Ovechkin. The NHL season is a thrilling time for hockey fans, with intense rivalries, upsets, and dramatic moments that keep fans on the edge of their seats.
NHL Playoffs
The playoffs in the NHL are the culmination of the regular season, where the top 16 teams compete in a four-round tournament to determine the league champion. The playoffs typically start in April and last until June, and the format is a best-of-seven series for each round. The teams are seeded based on their regular season performance, with the top three teams from each division and two wild card teams from each conference qualifying for the playoffs.
NHL Conferences
The NHL is divided into two conferences: the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. Each conference consists of 16 teams, which are further divided into four divisions: the Atlantic and Metropolitan divisions in the Eastern Conference, and the Central and Pacific divisions in the Western Conference.
Eastern Conference
- Atlantic Division – This division includes eight teams located in the Northeastern United States and Canada. The teams in this division are the Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Toronto Maple Leafs.
- Metropolitan Division – This division includes eight teams located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. The teams in this division are the Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Washington Capitals.
Western Conference
- Central Division – This division includes seven teams located in the Midwest and Great Plains regions of the United States. The teams in this division are the Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues, and Winnipeg Jets.
- Pacific Division – This division includes eight teams located in the Western United States and Western Canada. The teams in this division are the Anaheim Ducks, Arizona Coyotes, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, Seattle Kraken, and Vancouver Canucks.
NHL History
The National Hockey League (NHL) is a professional ice hockey league that was founded in 1917 in Montreal, Canada. The league began with four teams, known as the “Original Six”: the Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, and Toronto Maple Leafs. The NHL has since expanded to 32 teams, with franchises located in both the United States and Canada.
Over the course of its history, the NHL has become one of the most popular and prestigious professional sports leagues in the world, featuring some of the greatest players and moments in sports history. The league is known for its physicality and speed, with players skating on ice and using sticks to shoot a rubber puck into the opposing team’s net.
The NHL season typically runs from October to April, with playoffs culminating in the Stanley Cup Finals in June. The Stanley Cup is the oldest trophy in North American professional sports and is awarded to the team that wins the Finals.
Throughout its history, the NHL has undergone significant changes and growth, including expansion to new markets, the introduction of new rules and equipment, and the integration of new technology. The league has also faced challenges, including player strikes and controversies around player safety.
NHL Teams with the Most Stanley Cup Championships
Montreal Canadiens (24)
Championships: 1916, 1924, 1930, 1931, 1944, 1946, 1953, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1971, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1986, 1993
Toronto Maple Leafs (13)
Championships: 1918, 1922, 1932, 1942, 1945, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1951, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1967
Detroit Red Wings (11)
Championships: 1936, 1937, 1943, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1955, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2008
Boston Bruins (6)
Championships: 1929, 1939, 1941, 1970, 1972, 2011
Chicago Blackhawks (6)
Championships: 1934, 1938, 1961, 2010, 2013, 2015
Edmonton Oilers (5)
Championships: 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990
Pittsburgh Penguins (5)
Championships: 1991, 1992, 2009, 2016, 2017
New York Islanders (4)
Championships: 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984
New York Rangers (4)
Championships: 1928, 1933, 1940, 1994
Tampa Bay Lightning (3)
Championships: 2004, 2020, 2021
Colorado Avalanche (3)
Championships: 1996, 2001, 2022
New Jersey Devils (3)
Championships: 1996, 2001, 2022
Philadelphia Flyers (2)
Championships: 1974, 1975
Los Angeles Kings (2)
Championships: 2012, 2014
