Betting on ice hockey matches can be both thrilling and rewarding, but to maximize your chances of success, a thorough analysis of various factors is essential. This guide offers comprehensive insights into the critical points to consider when betting on ice hockey, helping you make informed and profitable decisions.
Introduction
When gambling on individual ice hockey matches for money lines, totals, point spreads, correct scores, double results, first or last scorer betting, specials or statistic type betting – number of assists or powerplays, for example, it is sometimes necessary to do a little research before placing your bet. We provide you with how to analyze ice hockey matches from 8 essential aspects, including league positions, fixtures, past results, rivalry games, etc.
1. League Position
Checking the league standings provides a snapshot of team performance over the season. Teams at the top are generally in better form than those at the bottom.
Using League Position for Betting
Home and Away Performance: Analyze the difference in performance at home and away games.
Goal Difference: Evaluate offensive and defensive strengths by examining goal differences.
Check the divisions, conferences, and overall league “standings” of the teams at NHL.com.
We sometimes think a team is good because it is famous, but that does not always mean it is doing well at this time. Also consider that a team in 6th is not always going to beat a team that is 14th – especially away and if there are only 4 points between them.
Use the league table to check the number of home and away wins and losses after shootouts. As the season gets going, you can see patterns in which teams win and lose more shootouts than others or which teams do not win so often when they are “on the road” or “away.”
Example Analysis
For example, if the Tampa Bay Lightning are leading their division with a strong home record and the Detroit Red Wings are struggling with away games, betting on the Lightning for a home win could be a sound strategy.
2. Importance of Fixtures
Examining the fixture list can reveal potential performance trends.
Using Fixture Information for Betting
Fixture Congestion: Identify periods with back-to-back games which could affect team performance.
Upcoming Matches: Teams might underperform if they have crucial matches ahead, as they may rest key players.
Look at the fixture lists of individual teams in advance because teams often under-perform or over-perform against specific teams at certain times of the season.
For example, when a team in the bottom four is scheduled to play their next three matches against three teams in the top 8, there will often be at least one surprise.
Look at when teams may have an easy or difficult week – when the top teams (and bottom teams) are playing each other, for example.
Consider the traveling, the rivalries, and the number of games played in a row.
A strong team's fourth game in a row can often break that team's form. If a star player gets injured or the manager plays their third string to save their key players, this can cause some surprising wins for weaker teams.
The number of games played over a season means that teams have to play many games in a row and with few rest periods – each team will play at least 82 games! Many managers running successful teams will often rest key players and play young players with little experience against weaker teams too.
Example Analysis
If the Chicago Blackhawks have a series of tough games against top-tier teams, their performance in a less critical match might decline as they rest their key players.
3. Past Results - Evaluating Historical Data
Past results can provide valuable insights into future performance.
Using Past Results for Betting
Head-to-Head Records: Assess consistent patterns in previous encounters.
Winning and Losing Streaks: Identify trends and potential streak continuations or breaks.
If a team has won ten games in a row, start gambling on the loss.
Another predictable scenario is when a team has lost three games in a row. In such cases, it's advisable to keep gambling on the loss until it reaches six in a row.
The longer an unbeaten streak lasts, the closer it is to ending. The longer a winless streak lasts, the closer it is to ending.
Example Analysis
The Montreal Canadiens have consistently beaten the Ottawa Senators in their last six encounters. Betting on the Canadiens might be wise despite current standings.
4. Understanding Rivalries
Rivalry games often defy regular patterns and statistics due to their emotional intensity.
Using Rivalry Information for Betting
Historical Performance: Examine the head-to-head records of rivalry games.
Emotional Impact: Consider the potential for higher penalties and power plays in these high-stakes games.
Check information about “Derby” and “Bitter Rivals” games.
Derby games in Ice Hockey can be classed as the six teams from Canada (Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Vancouver Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames and the Ottawa Senators) that play each other.
Bitter Rivals’ games are games between teams that have a history of competitiveness (Montreal Canadiens vs. Boston Bruins) so It is often a good idea to check the head to head record – that is separate statistics of the number of wins / losses and draws between the two teams since the two clubs formed.
These games are also highly emotional, so there are often a higher number of penalties and power plays.
Win—Loss runs—Check to see the longest win—loss streaks to help you decide when a team may win or lose.
If a team wins 6 games in a row and its longest winning streak is 7, then it is highly unlikely that the streak will continue for much longer. Check the records for the longest winning and losing streaks. Since 2010, quite a few teams won 11 or more in a row in one season.
Example Analysis
In the intense rivalry between the Boston Bruins and the Montreal Canadiens, games are often tightly contested regardless of current form, making outcome predictions more challenging.
5. Coaching Changes
Changes in coaching can lead to shifts in team dynamics and performance.
Using Coaching Changes for Betting
Immediate Impact: New coaches often bring a short-term boost in team performance.
Long-term Adjustments: Consider how strategic changes might affect performance over time.
Coaches are changing more frequently than ever these days. This trend often follows a very bad run of results, a poor league position, or failure to meet the board or the fans’ expectations. Being aware of these changes is crucial for any sports bettor.
When the new coach takes over, we often see a dramatic improvement in the teams’ effort, performance, and results in the short term.
Look out for value bets when the coach has left the club or a new one has been appointed.
6. Key Players
Key players significantly impact match outcomes. Key players significantly impact match outcomes. Identifying key players and analyzing their performance is essential before making bets.
Using Player Performance for Betting
Goaltender Impact: Analyze the performance of the goaltender as they often determine the outcome.
Form and Fitness: Evaluate the current form and fitness of key players.
Think about critical players in many teams, not just the top teams.
The goaltender is the most important player. A Stanley Cup-winning team usually has one of the top three goaltenders in the league. Some teams also have a second goalie who performs well.
Some coaches pull their goalkeeper immediately after a mistake, while others wait too long. Watch out for these situations.
Consider “under-rated” and “over-rated players.” Different TV pundits, journalists, and fans overvalue or undervalue players because of their reputation, age, loyalty, or disloyalty. Be your own judge. Your winning and losing bets will help decide for you which players are good or not.
Stay informed and prepared by regularly checking the statistics of players, including shots, assists, blocks, and goals. This will give you a clear picture of their performance and potential.
Remember, the better players perform, the more likely they are to play more, and therefore, score or assist more. This insight can guide your player selection strategy.
Look for players that are on “form” (performing at a very high level) and off “form” as players peak and dip as the season progresses.
Example Analysis
If the Pittsburgh Penguins’ star player Sidney Crosby is in excellent form, betting on him to score or assist could be a profitable decision.
7. Injuries
Injuries can severely impact team performance.
Using Injury Information for Betting
Injury Reports: Stay updated on any injuries and the expected recovery times.
Team Depth: Consider how well a team can cope with key player injuries.
Different players get “Serious” or “Niggling” injuries either often or rarely; some need operations, and players coming back from injury are not always mentally strong and so may perform less well.
Teams can also suffer dramatically from injured players, especially in key positions.
Example Analysis
If the Washington Capitals are missing their top scorer due to injury, their chances of winning might decrease, making them a less favorable bet.
8. Power Plays
Power plays often lead to goals and can influence the outcome of a game.
What are Power Plays?
A "power play" in ice hockey occurs when one team has a numerical advantage over the other due to a penalty. When a player commits a penalty, they are sent to the penalty box for a set amount of time, usually two minutes.
During this time, their team plays with one less player, giving the opposing team a power play. The team with the power play has a better chance to score because they have more players on the ice. It's a critical part of the game where teams try to capitalize on their advantage to change the course of the match.
Using Power Play Information for Betting
Power Play Efficiency: Assess how effectively teams convert power plays into goals.
Penalty Kill Strength: Analyze the defensive strength during penalty kills.
Check the statistics for different teams as power plays often lead to goals, if a team has an “enforcer” then there will be more power plays against that team which means more goals will be scored against that team.
Attacking teams are more likely to score in power-play situations than defensive teams.
Example Analysis
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a high power play conversion rate, making them likely to score during power plays, which can be factored into betting strategies.
Conclusion
Analyzing ice hockey matches for betting requires a comprehensive approach that considers various factors, including league position, fixtures, past results, rivalries, coaching changes, key players, injuries, and power plays.
- League position
- Fixtures
- Past Results
- Rivalry
- Coach
- Key players
- Injuries
- Power plays for and against
By following these eight key tips, you can improve your betting strategy and increase your chances of success.
The more you collect various statistical data and know the condition of key players, you can easily find 'the best value odds to bet on.'
We hope our tips help you understand ice hockey betting and increase your profits. And if you are looking for betting advice for other sports such as football(soccer), American football, basketball, and tennis, check each page out.
Always remember to bet responsibly and use the knowledge gained to your advantage. Good Luck!
