The National Hockey League is considered the highest level of professional ice hockey on the planet. There are some contenders, of course, and it’s always challenging to overlook the Olympic Games and one or two of Europe’s more serious competitions, but the NHL will always be king with sports fans. It boasts the most famous teams, the highest-paid players, best venues and attracts viewing figures that dwarf the competition.
Another major attraction regarding the NHL is how well it lends itself to online betting. Both are fast-paced, unpredictable, modern and exciting. Watch an NHL match involving your favourite team on television, and you’ll find it to be an exciting few hours. But watch the same game with a bet resting on the outcome, and you’ll know exactly what we’re talking about. Having a financial interest in the result sends your interest levels skyrocketing.
Imagine enjoying the match with two reasons to cheer. One for your team’s victory and again for the profits making their way to your betting account. But how do you consistently beat the bookies in the NHL? It’s no mean feat, that’s for sure, and knowing the ins and outs of ice hockey isn’t enough. You must understand and appreciate how the online betting industry works. That’s where we come in. Read on as we discuss how you can use the stats to predict results and place winning predictions at the leading NHL betting sites.
Why the stats matter
Most, if not all, stats relating to sports and sports betting are based on past events. How many goals has a team scored on the road this season? How many saves has a goalkeeper made already this month? What was the result the last time two rivals faced off? It’s all about digging through history, while sports teams are all about making history. They are out to break records, set standards and attract new followers, either as fans or sponsors. So, why are the stats so important, and what can be taken from past results?
The truth is, any respected, profitable and experienced bettor would stand by the stats. If they were left with their last dollar and wanted to use it to place a bet and give themselves the best possible chance of getting back on their feet, they’d place their trust in the trends. Look at your favourite team’s last result and then measure that against the previous five team meetings. Does it fall into place? Did the most recent score track the head-to-head stats? There’s every chance it did.
Following the trends often leads you to a decent prediction which, in turn, will move you towards a strong bet. The major online sportsbooks covering the NHL offer an ever-increasing number of pre-match and in-play betting markets. Gamblers are no longer restricted to simply betting on the team they want to win. There are lots of options, and when placed alongside the stats, a bet will often reveal itself.
Available markets
Here are some of the markets you will find available to bet on in the next NHL fixture that catches your eye. Team to win the match, name of the first goalscorer, points spread, the correct score. There’s also the double chance, total goals in the match, result including the draw, anytime goalscorer, last goalscorer, and plenty more besides. There’s something for everyone and a bet that will fit into your research.
Moreover, most of the pre-match markets remain live and available to bet on throughout the play, thanks to in-play betting. This allows you to gamble on a match that has already started. Watch a game closely from the arena or on television, and keep your eyes peeled for any hints, tips or clues. Is a player threatening to score, or perhaps, it’s shaping up to be a nervy, low-scoring match?
When using the stats to choose your bets, it may take a while, but you can rest assured your bets come from the right place. There are no snap decisions and no luck. It’s all about research, instincts and understanding the businesses of hockey and online gambling. Now you know how to use stats to help with your predictions, give it a try ahead of the next round of fixtures.
