For many Canadians, hockey is more than just a sport—it’s a way of life.
With such a deep connection to the game, it’s no surprise that betting on hockey has become a favorite pastime for Canadian sports bettors.
Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or new to the world of sports wagering, understanding how to bet on hockey can enhance your viewing experience and potentially increase your winnings.
In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of betting on hockey and explore strategies to help you make informed wagers.
Why Hockey Is the Perfect Sport for Canadian Bettors
Canadian hockey is a national pastime and a prime opportunity for sports bettors.
The fast-paced nature of hockey, with its high number of games and unpredictable outcomes, creates a dynamic environment for betting. Canadian bettors are particularly drawn to hockey for several reasons.
As the most popular sport in Canada, bettors often have a deep understanding of the game, which gives them an edge when placing wagers.
Hockey’s fast pace and constant action make for exciting live betting opportunities. From the NHL to international competitions, betting on hockey offers plenty of chances for players to find value.
Understanding the Basics: Hockey Betting Terminology
Before diving into specific hockey bets, it’s essential to understand the key terminology used in betting on hockey. Here’s a quick rundown of terms you’ll encounter:
- Moneyline: Betting on which team will win the game outright, regardless of the score.
- Puck Line: Similar to a point spread in other sports, this bet gives the favored team a -1.5 goal handicap or the underdog a +1.5 goal advantage.
- Over/Under: Wagering on whether the total number of goals scored by both teams will be over or under a specified number.
Knowing these basic terms will help you navigate hockey betting markets with confidence.
The Most Common Hockey Bets
When betting on hockey, several types of bets are prevalent among Canadian bettors.
Understanding these common bet types will help you build a solid foundation for your betting strategy:
Over/Under Betting in Hockey
Under/Over Betting or Totals Betting involves betting that the combined score between both teams surpasses or falls below a predetermined total number.
You would then predict whether more or less goals would be scored during that matchup.
Totals betting has proven popular as it does not require picking a winner and can, therefore, provide the ideal solution in tight games where the outcome remains unpredictable.
There may also be factors involved that influence totals betting, such as team defense, goalie performance, or offensive power which influence it.
Puck Line Explained
A puck line in hockey serves as the equivalent of the point spread.
Bettors betting on favorites must win by at least two goals for your bet to cash; conversely, betting on underdogs allows your team to lose by just one goal without forfeiting it and still win your bet.
Puck line betting adds another level of strategy and appeals mainly to more seasoned bettors.
In-Play Betting on Hockey: Real-Time Strategy for Live Wagering
In-play betting—also known as live betting—allows you to place wagers during the game as it unfolds.
This type of betting is particularly exciting in hockey due to the game’s fast pace and constant momentum shifts. With live betting, you can make decisions based on real-time events, such as a team gaining momentum or a key player being injured.
Popular in-play hockey bets include predicting the next team to score, wagering on the final score, or adjusting your puck line bet as the game progresses.
Betting on the NHL vs. International Hockey: Differences
Regarding betting on hockey, the NHL is undoubtedly the most popular league among Canadian bettors.
However, international hockey events, such as the Winter Olympics or the IIHF World Championships, also present excellent betting opportunities.
With a more extended season, the NHL provides more opportunities to place bets, with detailed stats and in-depth analysis available for each team.
Meanwhile, international hockey games tend to be less frequent but can be unpredictable, as rosters often feature players who don’t usually play together.
This can create high-value betting opportunities, especially when underdog teams outperform expectations.
Prop Bets in Hockey
Prop bets (also called proposition bets) are placed on particular events within a match that don’t directly affect its result, like whether an opponent scores or how many saves a goalie makes.
For instance, you could place such bets for players scoring goals or goalies making stops.
Prop bets provide an enjoyable alternative to betting on hockey games. They allow bettors to focus more closely on specific individuals or events rather than simply betting on game outcomes.
Bettors familiar with Canadian hockey may use their knowledge of players’ strengths and weaknesses to find value in prop bets.
The Importance of Goalie Matchups in Hockey Betting
The goalie matchup is one of the most crucial factors in betting on hockey.
A team’s goalie can significantly influence the game’s outcome, and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each goalie is vital to making smart bets.
Some goalies are known for their ability to stand tall during critical moments, while others may struggle under pressure.
Before placing your bet, consider each team’s starting goalie, their recent performances, and how they match up against the opposing team’s offense.
Mastering Hockey Betting for Consistent Wins
Betting on hockey can be both fun and profitable, especially when you have a solid understanding of the game and a well-developed strategy.
To master hockey betting, you must stay informed, analyze team statistics, and adjust your bets based on player injuries and goalie matchups.
By taking a methodical approach, you can turn your passion for Canadian hockey into consistent wins.