The National Hockey League (NHL) is the strongest and the most prestigious hockey championship in the world that is outpacing all other leagues. No European league can compete with it, let alone other continents where hockey is not as developed. The NHL consists of teams from the US and Canada. However, oddly enough, among North American bettors hockey is not as popular as other sports like baseball (MLB), basketball (NBA), and American football (NFL). Nevertheless, there are many European bettors who love to bet on NHL games. Bets on NHL matches are popular among both professional players and beginner forecasters all around the world. As a devout hockey fan, it doesn't matter where you reside. The NHL regular season and playoff events command your undivided attention. With pre-season matches and the highly-anticipated Stanley Cup final, the opportunities for betting on NHL games are abundant, with only a brief four-month hiatus. Over the course of a single season there are nearly 1,500 games in the NHL, and 32 clubs from both the US and Canada compete in the championship, providing multiple opportunities for those who choose NFL betting over other sports. To make a well-informed prediction on the NHL, players must thoroughly analyze the playing style of each team and find an effective strategy to use. The Dexsport team will help you with that.

Key Features of NHL in Sports Betting

Before choosing to bet on NHL games, wagerers need to take into an account a few important features that differentiate NHL from other hockey leagues:

1. The North American style of ice hockey is characterized by a narrower playing surface compared to its European and Finnish counterparts. While the length of the ice rink remains at 60 meters, the width has been reduced to just 26 meters, which is a significant change from the standard 28 and 30 meters.This reduction in width leads to a more intense and dynamic game, with an increased number of shots, power plays, interceptions, and blocks. As a result, it is important to consider these factors when placing bets on North American ice hockey.
2. Higher goal-scoring average compared to other European leagues. For example, EHL has an average goal-scoring between 2.95 and 3.15 goals per team, while NHL numbers are between 4 and 5 per game per team. This factor is important to take into account when betting on game totals.
3. The NHL boasts of intense competition, making even matchups between conference leaders and underdogs highly unpredictable. It's rare to see a dominant team win four or five consecutive games. The average win statistics show that favorites win two out of every three games, while underdogs come out on top in one out of three games, making the results even more difficult to foresee for a wagerer who places a bet on NHL.
4. A tight schedule throughout the season that requires coaches to adopt a flexible approach when it comes to forming lineups and determining starting rosters. With key performers often given time for rest, it is crucial for sports gamblers to stay informed on team news before placing any bets. Stay ahead of the game by staying up-to-date on the latest developments.

Pre-match NHL betting strategies

One of the popular pre-match betting strategies among professional NHL prognosticators is the "bet on the underdog" strategy. This approach involves selecting the right matches to bet on. Suitable games are those that meet the following criteria:

• The underdog is the receiving side.
• The stronger opponent has a difficult game schedule while the underdog has a few days of rest.
• The underdog boasts a good home game record.
• The weaker club has a heightened motivation during the tournament, while the favorite doesn't.
• The coach of the stronger team wants to save key players for more important matches.

The 5.5 Total Goals bet is another well-known pre-match strategy for many hockey enthusiasts, including NHL fans. With odds ranging from 1.80 to 2.80, this betting market provides an exciting opportunity to predict the number of goals in a game. To increase your chances of success, it's important to perform a thorough analysis of each competitor's statistics, including the presence of key goal scorers in the line-up. Statistics show that in over half of the games, six goals are scored. However, to maintain a positive outcome in the long run, it is crucial to eliminate low-yielding options and focus on higher-yield choices. By combining a careful study of the statistics with a well-thought-out strategy, the 5.5 Total Goals bet can be a profitable addition to your pre-match betting repertoire.

LIVE NHL betting strategies

The unique features of hockey matchups allow for many strategies to be used for live bets on NHL games. Here are some popular schemes:

• Using the Martingale strategy while betting on the match ending in a tie. Martingale, also known as a chase, is a betting strategy in which you increase the next bet or odds so that the first winning bet will bring a profit. You can calculate the bet amount using the formula: (bet amount) = (total lost bets + desired profit) / (odds - 1)
• Betting on the losing favorite is a strategy where you place a bet on the favorite to win the entire match after the underdog has scored first. The odds increase as the game nears its end, but it's advisable not to take too much risk by betting close to the final whistle. The best matches to implement this strategy are those where the favorite team is highly motivated and playing at home.
• Bet on a High Total in the Third Period. This betting strategy involves making wagers in the closing stages of the game, typically within the last 7 to 10 minutes. Opt for games that are high in competition and where the favorite is not currently ahead. According to statistics, there is a higher likelihood of goals being scored in the final minutes of a game compared to other periods. When the stronger team is still trailing, it can be advantageous to wait for their final push, which may involve replacing the goaltender with an extra field player.

Which bookmaker is the best for NHL betting?

Almost all bookmakers in the world accept bets on the NHL, but it might be difficult to find a trustworthy service that would be available in your region and will have low fees and high coefficients. Lucky for you, there is Dexsport. Thanks to the shared liquidity pool, Dexsport’s users always have the best coefficients, and utilization of the blockchain technology helps to ensure speedy payouts, lowest fees in the industry, and availability of the platform in any corner of the world. Join Dexsport and start placing your winning bets with the best tool on the market.