If you’re betting on the NHL and not doing well, then you may want to consider utilizing the five tips explained here. The fact is that too many sports bettors rely on intuition, limited amounts of information, or unsubstantiated rumors to help them decide on how they will make their bets. Even worse, many sports bettors make the mistake of listening to media hype artists who offer very little useful information.
Crunch the Numbers
There is nothing like good, old-fashioned number crunching. Analyzing statistics s a great way for sports bettors to determine their wagers. The numbers won’t tell you everything that you need to make smart NHL bets, but they offer anyone who wants to make money on hockey an excellent foundation.
It’s important to utilize all of the major stats that are available to you, focusing on goaltending, offense, defense, power play and penalty kill. Be mindful of the plus and minus of certain players and lines. Make sure that you carefully use any stats when doing your matchups, as these can be especially helpful when comparing players, units, and teams.
Find the Edge
Look for the edge. It’s as simple – and as complicated – as that. The edge may be found with the club that has home ice, in a goalie and his performance against certain teams, or in a leading scorer who has to sit out the game. If you can find anything that will tip the balance in your favor as a sports bettor, then use it when making your wager.
Goaltending
Goaltending is to hockey as pitching is to baseball. Compare and contrast goalies. Use the latest stats and check to see if either goalie has a tough matchup against the competition. Has either net minder been on a winning or losing streak, could a backup goalie change the fortunes of the team, or is the starting goalie coming back after a fairly long absence? Is either goalie nursing an injury? If there is anything that may help or hinder either goaltender, use that information when deciding on which team you’re going to bet.
Shop for Odds
Too many times sports bettors lose money when they wager on NHL games because they don’t take the time to get the best odds. There may be no difference in the puck line, in terms of the spread. However, you may be missing out on getting the best payout. The same is true on the money line.
For totals, there’s a big difference between an over/under that’s 5.5 and 6.5. Look for the best possible deal on this type of bet, as too many bets are lost due to a sports bettor simply taking the first over/under that he sees. Also, when wagering on a NHL totals bet, make sure that you are extremely careful in your handicapping.
Units and Bankroll Management
Another major way in which sports bettors lose too much money is through poor bankroll management and by not breaking bets down into unit wagers. Bettors will often approach wagering in a haphazard manner. This is especially true when it comes to organizing their bank.
Take the time to properly divide your bankroll into wagering units, and allocate units in a careful manner, Stay away from all-or-nothing wagers and from trying to make up for losses with one big bet.
Take it to the Bank
As a sports bettor focusing on the NHL, it’s important to utilize your cash properly when betting on what is a long, tough season. Do your homework when handicapping, look for the best possible odds, get an edge, and bet responsibly. Treat your sports betting like the business it is and you could, like many businesses, make a profit.