Hockey Betting Tips and Tricks
For Sports
Gambling fans, the NHL is perhaps the most unpredictable of any major sport. In fact,
outcomes are so hard to forecast, many professional gamblers don't even touch the 'Coolest
Game on Earth'.
Upsets happen so frequently, you'd be hard-pressed to actually call them upsets. In light
of that, what exactly should you look for when gambling hockey? Here are a few tips, based
on interviews with a multitude of ice 'cappers and information easily accessible on the
web.
Goaltenders -- Goalies have probably the biggest impact on a game's outcome. Check
to see how the expected starter has performed lately. Does he play better on the road or
at home?
Also, does the goalie play better when his team is favored, or when they are an underdog?
Check the keeper's save percentage, as it is a better indicator of a goalie's performance
than his win/loss record or goals against average.
It can be difficult at times to determine who will start, so check local newspapers and
team Web sites for updates. Also check the link sports live odds.
Special teams -- How a team performs on the power play and penalty kill is often
the difference in a game. Check the team's overall league ranking in these categories, but
also examine how they've done lately. If a team with a hot power play is playing a team
that takes a lot of penalties, chances are good the team that has its extra-man unit
clicking will win.
How a team performs lately is far more important than its overall success.
Value -- Like other sports, you don't want to pick top teams all the time because
it costs a lot to win a little.
Previous meetings -- Some teams always seem to beat certain opponents, no matter
where they sit in the standings.
Last five games -- Look at how a team has played in its last five games and compare
that to its overall record. At the mid-point in the season, look for underachieving teams
to heat up as playoff time approaches.
Divisional/Conference games -- In division matchups, they know very well the game
could have playoff implications at season's end. Different teams respond differently in
these situations. The Bruins play a much more defensive style when playing a divisional
foe, and therefore, score and allow fewer goals. Generally speaking, this is the pattern,
but it does sometimes vary. The Islanders score and allow more goals in inter-division
tilts.
'Totals' -- Find out a team's average scoring when they are: on the road; at home;
an underdog; or a favorite. The Calgary Flames average 1.83 goals for, and allow 0.66
goals against, when they are the underdog at home. Obviously, the 'under' would be an
enticing gamble in this spot.
Upcoming schedule -- Look ahead to see who a team is playing in its upcoming games.
If the Pittsburgh Penguins are playing the Atlanta Thrashers two days ahead of playing
their rivals, the Washington Capitals, it's possible they will be under-prepared for the
first game. Also, if a team is playing the sixth game of a six-game road trip, they could
be weary. Both the New York Rangers and Anaheim Mighty Ducks lost three games of six-game
road swings. Having said that, if a team went on a horrible slide on a road trip, look for
an inspirational effort in the last game before they head home.
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