In order to be a successful NHL sports bettor, it’s important to participate in a daily routine that delivers winning results. Knowledge is power when it comes to sports betting, and the more you know, the better poised you are to make intelligent choices on your wagers. Good habits will result in smart bets. Here are five solid sports betting tips that you can use to improve your daily NHL routine.
Daily Review: Scores, Videos, and Reports
A daily review of all aspects of the NHL is important. Along with checking scores, reports on games, and video footage, you’ll also need to check on injury reports, detailed stats, and any other related information. It is important to know more than the score and who was in goal. You want to understand why a team lost or won. This is especially true if you are going to bet on their next game or if you had money on the game you’re reviewing.
As an example, if a team lost due to a bad call by a referee or because of a fluke goal, that’s a different situation than if there was a breakdown in their defense or if the starting goalie was injured and the backup came in. Was the losing club tired from a long road trip, were some players ill, or was the loss the product of a third period let down?
Odds: Lines and Totals
Check the lines often. Usually lines for upcoming games are posted as soon as both teams have finished their previous contests. These odds are weighed heavily in terms of a team’s previous performance and tend to be fairly soft. You may find a good deal on a money line bet or even totals. In terms of the underdog in the upcoming game, the puck line could be a solid choice.
The important thing to remember is that prior to making any wager, you must handicap the game thoroughly, including performing matchups. Make sure that you continue to monitor all odds in order to make a smart choice at the right time.
Handicapping
In order to properly handicap any hockey game, you must make sure that you evaluate various aspects. Start with statistics, carefully evaluating a team’s ability to score, the potency of their power play, and the strength of their penalty kill.
Goaltending is also an essential element that must be evaluated. Along with statistics, consider how consistent each goalie has been, how many games they have recently played, and how they matchup against the team they are about to face.
Compare each line and the various units, including offense, defense, power play, and penalty kill. Are there any holes in either club? Where is each most vulnerable, and can the opposition possibly exploit the weaknesses?
Which team is home and away and how does each perform when in that situation? Some clubs are unbeatable at home, while others do exceptionally well on the road. If one club has traveled a lot and just played an overtime game, they might be fatigued for their next contest.
Making Your Picks
You’ll make your picks based on a few criteria. These include finding odds that favor you, discovering a weakness that an opponent can take advantage of (always look for an edge), and going with bets that you feel are exceptionally safe. The point of handicapping is to rid yourself of as much chance and guesswork before making your wager. Always wager using units, and never bet more than 6% of your bankroll on any one contest. Remember, it’s better to wager on two or three hockey games with favorable odds than on five or six less valuable contests.
Being Attentive
If you want to be a successful NHL sports bettor, it is important to always be attentive to the league and all aspects of the game. Set up NHL alerts on your smart phone and computer, carefully review games and any news, and utilize the most recent information that you can find.
Smart money does not always go with the team that is the favorite. In fact, more often than not, the favorite team is not able to beat the puck line, and they certainly don’t always win. Be careful of lines that change in order to attract more bettors. Artificial movement is a lure that bookies use to try to entice naïve sports bettors. If there’s a reason for a move, then consider taking the new odds.
Betting on the NHL offers sports bettors a great chance to make cash throughout the regular season. In order to do so, you must pay careful attention to numerous details and use information to your advantage. By following these principles, you will ensure a successful new hockey season.