Best NHL Betting Strategies
Explore proven strategies for betting on NHL games to outsmart the bookmakers. Whether you are just starting or you have experience, this resource is packed with valuable insights to improve your hockey betting skills.
In this guide, we outline the different types of NHL bets, provide numerous betting strategies, and indicate where to find competitive NHL odds. Additionally, we introduce you to our highly recommended platform for novices interested in hockey betting.
NHL Betting Strategy
Being a successful hockey bettor requires significant dedication and effort, so it’s vital to master the basics right from the start. We will begin with an overview of the key principles behind NHL betting strategies. The following seven recommendations will greatly benefit you in your betting journey.
1.Shop for the Best Odds
Odds will vary between online NHL sportsbooks Each bookmaker tends to offer slightly different odds, so we suggest comparing options to secure the best deals. After you decide on a bet, review several betting platforms to find the most advantageous odds. Even small differences in prices can lead to major changes in your potential returns.
2.Analyze Team Performance and Stats
Statistics are crucial in today’s hockey landscape. NHL teams analyze data to gain advantages, and bettors can do the same. Numerous websites and applications provide valuable statistics on performance, goals, assists, and more. Utilizing these metrics can enhance your betting decisions.
Example: Consider a scenario where one team has secured five consecutive victories while another is struggling with a seven-game losing streak. The form guide indicates a considerable discrepancy in performance. Additionally, examining offensive and defensive statistics can provide deeper insights. Assessing which teams score or concede the most goals can increase your chances of making successful bets.

3.Calculate Implied Probability
Grasping the concept of implied probability is vital for all sports bettors, not just those focused on NHL games. Implied probability assesses the chances of a specific betting outcome occurring. This can be expressed through a formula that translates traditional odds into a corresponding percentage. how to read betting odds The chart below illustrates how sportsbooks present odds in percentage format. Although the example is hypothetical, let’s assume these odds pertain to the Art Ross Trophy, awarded to the player with the highest points in a season.
Example: For instance, Connor McDavid's odds of -1200 suggest he has a 92.3% likelihood of winning the trophy, while J. T. Miller's +1200 odds imply a 7.7% chance of victory. As the odds increase, the implied probability tends to decrease.
Players | Odds | Implied Probability |
---|---|---|
Connor McDavid | -1200 | 92.3% |
Nikita Kucherov | -400 | 80.0% |
David Pastrnak | +172 | 36.7% |
Leon Draisaitl | +540 | 15.6% |
William Nylander | +900 | 10.0% |
J. T. Miller | +1200 | 7.7% |
Long strings of odds might be perplexing at times. However, calculating implied probability simplifies the process, offering clarity on how bookmakers perceive the situation. Luckily, there are many online calculators that can help you convert odds into percentages effortlessly.

Expert Tip
Even the most reliable NHL betting strategies won’t be effective if you fail to seek out value. One of the keys to achieving long-term success in sports betting lies in your ability to spot bets that offer substantial value. These opportunities may not always appear obvious or safe, but they tend to yield consistent profits.4.Look for Value
This approach might involve steering clear of heavily favored outcomes with low odds, supporting underdogs in good form, and delving into specialized markets to identify unique betting options. Such strategies can significantly improve your return on investment and ultimately help you outsmart the bookmakers. There are three primary formats for displaying odds: American, decimal, and fractional. American odds are represented by either a positive (+) or negative (-) value, depending on whether they reflect a potential profit or the amount at stake for a $100 wager. Here’s how each format appears: Most online sportsbooks give you the option to change the odds format, allowing you to toggle between the three types. Keep this flexibility in mind as you review NHL odds.
You can delve into the most effective NHL betting strategies, but without a solid understanding of bankroll management in sports betting, your progress will be limited. Bankroll management involves setting aside an initial sum of money for betting, making prudent wagers, and only betting what you can afford to lose.

Expert Tip
For instance, if you establish a bankroll of $500 before the commencement of the NHL season, placing five $100 bets on the first set of games would not be advisable. Instead, consider starting with several bets in the range of $10 to $25 to minimize your potential losses. As you become more familiar with managing your bankroll, you can gradually increase your stakes.- American: -200
- Decimal: 50
- Fractional: 1/2
5.Manage Your Bankroll
Keeping detailed records can help you identify profitable trends and uncover your strengths and weaknesses in NHL betting. Regardless of whether you are an experienced bettor or a complete beginner, tracking your wagers will certainly benefit both you and your bankroll. Avoid the trap of betting on the same teams and markets repeatedly. Instead, we recommend broadening your scope to include a variety of NHL betting options. The more adaptive you are, the better positioned you will be to consistently discover value bets. Being familiar with NHL betting is essential, but it’s also crucial to comprehend how to interpret NHL odds and betting lines. This section will delve into the most prevalent types of NHL bets, provide examples for understanding the odds, and share some expert advice.
Example: Moneyline betting lets you predict which team will emerge victorious in a game. Sportsbooks assign odds to each team before the match, and your task is to evaluate those odds and select a winner. This is how moneyline odds are typically displayed:
6.Keep Records
The puck line acts as hockey's equivalent of a point spread. This betting market equalizes the field from a betting perspective by giving the favored team a virtual handicap while providing the underdog a head start. Usually, the puck line reflects -1.5 goals for the favored team and +1.5 goals for the underdog, as shown below:
Betting on the puck line can be advantageous if you want to wager on a heavy favorite with low moneyline odds. Strong NHL favorites frequently secure victories by two or more goals, which makes betting on them with a -1.5 goal gap often very lucrative.
7.Be Flexible
This bet allows you to forecast the total number of goals scored in a game. While most NHL total lines are typically set at 5.5 goals, this number can fluctuate based on the teams involved. Here’s how game total lines might look:
Reading NHL Odds and Betting Lines
Knowing exactly how to bet on hockey If you’re betting on the game total, be sure to take into account the scoring patterns of both teams. Two aggressive offensive teams are likely to combine for many goals, whereas two strong defensive teams may result in a low-scoring affair.
Moneyline
The moneyline betting market You can also predict a player’s performance by wagering on metrics such as points, assists, shots on goal, power-play points, blocked shots, or saves. Various sportsbooks allow you to bet on diverse metrics, with odds presented like this:
- Toronto Maple Leafs: +115
- Boston Bruins: -135
Puck Line
Discover the Best NHL Odds and Betting Lines point spread betting Having gained a solid understanding of the nuances of NHL betting strategy, let’s examine where to find the most advantageous odds and lines.
- New York Islanders (+1.5): -130
- Carolina Hurricanes (-1.5): +110

Expert Tip
Certainly, online sportsbooks rank among the best sources for accessing NHL odds and lines.Game Total
As the name suggests, the game total market One of our top-rated platforms, BetOnline, is renowned for offering a wide variety of hockey betting options, including pre-game lines and player props.
- Over 5.5 Goals: -122
- Under 5.5 Goals: +102

Expert Tip
Reputable sports media outlets frequently present NHL odds and lines in addition to providing expert analysis and picks. Head over to The Sports Geek's picks section to uncover our team’s valuable insights.Player Props
NHL player props betting The surge in mobile betting participation has reached an unprecedented level. Consequently, numerous apps now deliver NHL odds and lines directly to your mobile or tablet device.
- Auston Matthews Over 1.5 Points: +130
- Auston Matthews Under 1.5 Points: -166

There is no shortage of online forums for NHL enthusiasts and bettors. These platforms provide an opportunity for discussion regarding the latest odds with other hockey fans. Popular forums like Reddit and Quora boast hundreds of thousands of active users each month, along with smaller forums dedicated specifically to the NHL.
In this era of social media, why not explore NHL betting tips available on these platforms? Check out The Sports Geek's official social media channels to stay informed about the latest NHL odds, updates, and analyses.
Online Sportsbooks
Certain influencers and social media accounts may share biased opinions regarding the NHL, often based on their favorites. It’s wise to verify the credibility of an account before you begin to follow it, and to seek advice only from recognized experts in the field. BetOnline For newcomers to hockey betting, BetUS is our top recommendation. You’ll find NHL betting lines for all games, including competitive futures markets like the Stanley Cup Final, along with many prop bet options. The BetUS TV and Locker Room sections provide free analysis and NHL picks, ideal for those learning how to navigate hockey betting. With an attractive welcome bonus, BetUS is a straightforward choice for anyone wanting to access current NHL odds and betting opportunities. NHL futures , and even live hockey odds.
Sports Media Sites
Free NHL picks and analysis found in BetUS TV and Locker Room. latest NHL picks .
NHL Betting Apps
Numerous competitive NHL odds and lines available.
Online Forums
Set Your NHL Betting Strategy in Motion with AI Picks
Social Media and Influencers
The Sports Geek offers comprehensive AI picks for the NHL, covering against the spread, moneyline, and over/under bets for each match. X (Twitter) J. T. Miller white-lightbulb Advanced Strategies for NHL Betting
Expert Tip
For those who have already mastered the basics of NHL betting strategies, this section dives deeper into tips and tactics designed for seasoned hockey bettors.
Look for Value

American: -200
Decimal: 50
Many bettors in the NHL primarily concentrate on offensive players and overlook the critical role of goaltenders. It’s essential to recognize that the performance of goalies can significantly influence the outcome of hockey games.
125% Fractional: 1/2$2,625
- Analyzing goalie statistics such as save percentages, expected goals against, and goals saved above expectations can elevate your NHL betting experience.
- Special teams performance icon
In hockey, special teams consist of players assigned specific roles during power plays. Teams utilize defensive special teams to prevent goals when they’re short-handed and offensive special teams to capitalize on the power play to score.
Keep RecordsTop Strategies for Betting on the NHL – Comprehensive Systems and Recommendations
Understanding Betting Systems: A Guide for Beginners

Expert Tip
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Game Total
In this guide, we discuss various types of NHL bets, offer numerous betting tips, and point you toward where to uncover the best betting odds for NHL games. Additionally, we share our top recommendations for newcomers to hockey betting.
Fundamental Strategies and Advice for NHL Betting As the name suggests, the game Where to Locate the Most Favorable NHL Odds and Betting Lines

Over 5.5 Goals: -122
Investing time and effort into becoming a successful hockey bettor is essential, starting with mastering the basics. Let's focus on the essential aspects of NHL betting strategies. The following seven pointers will be invaluable as you begin your betting journey.
Bookmakers sometimes provide varying odds, so it’s wise to compare options to find the best prices. Once you decide on a specific bet, check several betting platforms to ensure you're getting the most favorable odds. Small differences in price can significantly impact your potential returns.
- Under 5.5 Goals: +102
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- Expert Tip

Player Props
For instance, consider a team that has won five consecutive matches facing off against another team that has lost seven in a row. The performance statistics clearly show one team is performing significantly better. It's also wise to examine both offensive and defensive numbers. Understanding which teams typically score and concede the most goals can greatly improve your chances of making successful bets.
Grasping implied probability is essential for bettors in all sports, not just NHL. Implied probability is the estimated likelihood of a specific outcome occurring in a bet. You can calculate this by converting traditional odds into percentages through a specific formula.

NHL player
For example, Connor McDavid has odds of -1200, translating to a 92.3% likelihood of winning the trophy. Conversely, J. T. Miller’s odds of +1200 suggest he has a 7.7% chance. As the odds increase, the implied probability diminishes.
props betting Auston Matthews Over 1.5 Points: +130 Long lists of odds can be overwhelming. By calculating implied probability, you can simplify things and obtain a clearer understanding of how bookmakers assess different scenarios. Thankfully, numerous online tools are available for calculating implied probability. Simply input the odds you have to get the associated percentage.

NHL prop builder feature at BetOnline
Even the best NHL betting insights won’t benefit you if you fail to actively seek out value. A critical element to achieving sustainable success in sports betting is the ability to pinpoint wagers that genuinely represent value. These bets may not always seem the safest or most apparent, but they can consistently yield profits.
This might involve steering clear of heavily favored teams with low odds, backing underdogs that are performing well, and exploring less mainstream markets for unique betting opportunities. Such strategies can enhance your returns on investment and ultimately help you win against the bookmakers.

BetOnline
Odds are typically presented in three main formats: American, decimal, and fractional. American odds are represented as either a positive or negative number, reflecting either the amount you can win or the amount you need to wager to win $100. Here are the different formats: NHL futures Most online betting sites offer the option to customize the odds format, allowing you to toggle between the three styles. Keep this in mind while searching for NHL odds.
You can familiarize yourself with the leading NHL betting strategies, but without understanding the concept of bankroll management in sports betting, your efforts may falter. Bankroll management involves allocating a starting amount of money for betting, making reasonable wagers, and betting only what you're willing to lose.

Sports Media Sites
For instance, if you establish a $500 bankroll at the commencement of the upcoming NHL season, it wouldn’t be prudent to place five $100 bets on the first set of games. Instead, it’s advisable to initiate a few $10-$25 bets to minimize potential losses. After you gain confidence in managing your bankroll, you can gradually increase your stake size.
Keeping detailed records of your NHL wagers will enable you to monitor your expenditures, winnings, losses, and other pivotal details. You can achieve this by utilizing a spreadsheet, jotting notes in a journal, or reviewing your betting history on your sportsbook account.

NHL Betting Apps
Maintaining records can help you identify profitable trends in your betting behavior and understand your strengths and weaknesses. Regardless of your experience level, keeping track of your bets will ultimately benefit both you and your bankroll.
Avoid the habit of continuously betting on the same teams and markets. Instead, we suggest branching out and exploring a wide variety of NHL betting options. The more adaptable you are, the greater the chance you’ll discover value bets regularly.
Understanding NHL betting is great, but it's equally important to learn how to interpret NHL odds and betting lines. In this section, we explain the most common types of NHL bets, provide examples of how to understand the odds, and offer expert advice along the way.
A moneyline bet lets you predict the outcome of a match, with sportsbooks assigning odds to each team prior to the game. All you need to do is assess these odds and select a winning team. This is how moneyline odds are typically presented:
Online Forums The puck line serves as hockey's equivalent to the point spread in other sports. It creates a level playing field for betting purposes, providing a virtual handicap to the favored team while giving the underdog a head start. Typically, the puck line features -1.5 goals for the favorite and +1.5 goals for the underdog, as demonstrated below:
Social Media and Influencers Betting on the puck line can offer excellent value, particularly when wagering on a strong favorite with low moneyline odds. Major NHL favorites often win by two or more goals, making a -1.5 wager an appealing option.
X (Twitter) This wager allows you to predict the total number of goals that will be scored during a game. The total for most NHL games is around 5.5 goals, but this can change depending on the matchup. Here’s how total lines might appear:
When betting on total goals, remember to examine the goal-scoring trends of the teams involved. If two offensive teams face off, expect plenty of goals, while a matchup between two defensively sound teams is likely to yield fewer points. These bets allow you to estimate how many points, assists, shots on goal, power play points, blocked shots, or saves a player is likely to accumulate in a game. Various sportsbooks enable you to wager on different stats, with odds displayed like this:
J. T. Miller Discover the Best NHL Betting Odds and Lines
Now that you’re well-versed in the various aspects of NHL betting strategies, let’s explore where to find the most competitive odds and lines. Online sportsbooks rank among the best resources for locating NHL odds and lines.
One of our top recommendations is this sportsbook due to its extensive selection of hockey betting options. They provide pre-game lines, player prop bets, and more. Leading sports media outlets consistently display NHL odds and lines alongside analysis and betting picks. Check out The Sports Geek’s picks section for insights from our team.
white-lightbulb The popularity of mobile betting is at an unprecedented high. Consequently, numerous apps provide NHL odds and lines directly to your smartphone or tablet.
Expert Tip
There are countless online forums for NHL fans and bettors. These platforms allow you to engage in discussions about the latest odds with other hockey enthusiasts. Popular sites like Reddit and Quora host hundreds of thousands of monthly users, in addition to numerous dedicated NHL forums.
We live in a digital age where social media plays a crucial role; make sure to check out NHL betting tips available across these platforms. Visit The Sports Geek’s official pages for the latest updates, odds, and insightful analysis. Look for Value Beware of biased NHL opinions presented by certain social media influencers, influenced by their personal teams. Validate an account’s credibility before following, and seek advice only from trusted experts in sports betting.
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Expert Tip
Enjoy free NHL picks and analysis on BetUS TV and in the Locker Room.American: -200 Decimal: 50 Fractional: 1/2 3 Manage Your Bankroll Example:
Keep Records
Boost Your NHL Betting Strategy with AI PicksBe FlexibleReading NHL Odds and Betting Lines Knowing exactly how to 2 bet on hockey Moneyline
The
Advanced Strategies for NHL Bettingmoneyline betting market Toronto Maple Leafs: +115 Boston Bruins: -135 3 Puck Line point spread betting
New York Islanders (+1.5): -130
Many people betting on the NHL focus predominantly on offensive players, overlooking the importance of goaltenders. It’s crucial to remember that goalies can significantly influence the outcome of a hockey game.Carolina Hurricanes (-1.5): +110white-lightbulb Expert Tip 1 Game Total As the name suggests, the game
