How to Bet on Hockey

Hockey fans are some of the most dedicated, emotional fans in all of sportsdom. When the NHL Lockout crippled the game in 2004, it crushed the spirits of thousands of fans and left online gambling enthusiasts who followed the game equally dejected. That season led to massive changes in the way hockey operates: some changes were for the good and others were not as great. The changes also meant a big difference in the way sportsbooks lay the odds for sports bettors.

In the days before the lockout, hockey games could ostensibly end in a draw. As a result, hockey lines always listed a point spread and it was bet in the same manner as other team-based sports. After the lockout, the NHL put changes in place that eliminated the possibility of a tie including a new shootout format to decide draws. The games might as well be decided on a roulette wheel, but with the sport now limited to a clear winner for each game, hockey is now bet on a money line in much the same way as a bettor wagers on baseball.

In baseball, the game ends up largely decided by the strength and skill of the starting pitcher. Baseball lines heavily reflect the pitching staff’s relative skill level and if a listed pitcher does not start, the sportsbook can call off the action. Hockey is a team sport, with only the goalie raising from the group enough to merit special attention. A goalie is the final level of defense in hockey and a good goalie can mean the difference between winning and losing. If a team loses its goalie to injury, that team is in major trouble. While lines are not generally set on whether a specific goalie starts, it’s not a bad idea to check the lineup before making your pick.

The schedule for NHL games can be particularly brutal. Teams can often travel for games only hours after having finished the night before. When a team makes a trip after another game, the level of play is generally not up to par with a home game. Make sure to take advantage of situations involving fatigue, as hockey is a game where strength truly matters: when a team known for heavy checking meets a team known for intricate play, the win usually goes to the checkers.

Obviously, sports betting takes more effort than other forms of gambling, such as online casino games. Keeping track of statistics is a must. Hockey is a game that can turn around in a split second. Fast-paced and know for upsets late in the game, the scoring is low and just one goal can make a huge difference. Knowing the key players with the best records can allow you to make intelligent picks. Knowing the status of these players is also a must. While hockey players are known for their willingness and ability to play while injured, it still doesn’t hurt to know who’d hurting. Injured players do not play at the top of their game, especially if that injury is exacerbated by a long trip on a bus or plane.

Hockey is a game of quick changes; an underdog can come from out of nowhere to win a game unexpectedly. Don’t be afraid to play a bet that seems out of character if you have reason to believe the favorite isn’t up to its normal level. The sportsbook knows most people will expect the same show of strength and the lines reflect that attitude. Follow the game, follow the players and know when to make a wager that bucks the popular opinion.