The National Hockey League (NHL) is one of the most exciting and competitive professional sports leagues in North America. Known for its fast-paced action, intense rivalries, and thrilling playoff battles, the NHL draws millions of fans each year. Hockey’s popularity continues to grow, with the 2023 Stanley Cup Finals averaging over 5 million viewers per game and the league generating an estimated $6 billion in annual revenue. Major markets like New York, Toronto, and Chicago fuel the league’s success, while recent Stanley Cup winners such as the Vegas Golden Knights, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Colorado Avalanche have brought fresh energy to the championship scene.
Emil Andrae #36 and Samuel Ersson #33 of the Philadelphia Flyers and Zach Aston-Reese #27 of the Columbus Blue Jackets Photo credit: [email protected]
With a long 82-game regular season followed by an unpredictable postseason, NHL betting presents a wide range of opportunities for savvy bettors. Unlike other major leagues, hockey offers unique betting lines, lower scoring games, and a level of variance that makes betting both exciting and challenging. In this guide, we’ll break down how to bet successfully on the NHL, covering common betting markets, smart strategies, and why crypto sportsbooks like bet105, a new offshore sportsbook provide the best platform for NHL bettors.
Understanding NHL Betting Markets
NHL betting offers a variety of markets, from straightforward moneyline bets to more complex props and futures. Here are the most popular ways to bet on hockey:
- Moneyline – The most basic NHL bet, where you simply pick the team you think will win. Because hockey games are often close, moneyline odds can provide strong value.
- Puck Line (Spread Betting) – Similar to a point spread in other sports, but with a fixed -1.5/+1.5 goal format. The favored team must win by at least two goals, while the underdog can win outright or lose by just one goal and still cover.
- Over/Under (Total Goals) – A wager on the total number of goals scored in a game. NHL totals typically range from 5.5 to 6.5 goals, depending on the teams and goaltenders involved.
- Player Props – Betting on individual player performances, such as total shots on goal, goals scored, or assists. These are great options when betting on elite stars like Connor McDavid or Auston Matthews.
- Futures Betting – Long-term wagers on season outcomes, such as Stanley Cup winners, division champions, or MVP awards. Futures can offer high payouts if you correctly predict the season’s top teams or players.
Strategies for Betting Successfully on the NHL
While hockey betting can be unpredictable, using the right approach can increase your chances of winning. Here are some key strategies to keep in mind:
1. Analyze Goaltending Matchups
Goalies play an outsized role in hockey betting since a hot goalie can steal a game. Always check starting goaltenders and their recent performance before placing a bet. A strong goaltender matchup could make an underdog more valuable or indicate an under bet on total goals.
2. Consider Home-Ice Advantage
Unlike some sports, home-ice advantage in the NHL is very real. Home teams have the benefit of last line changes, which allows coaches to dictate favorable matchups. Certain arenas, like those in Denver (altitude) and Boston (smaller rink dimensions), can also impact gameplay.
3. Bet on Teams with Strong Special Teams
Power play and penalty kill percentages are critical in NHL betting. A team with a high power-play conversion rate and a solid penalty kill has an edge in tight games. Checking special teams’ stats can provide insight into matchups before placing bets.
4. Monitor Schedule and Fatigue Factors
With frequent back-to-back games and extensive travel, fatigue is an important factor in NHL betting. A team playing its third game in four nights or coming off a long road trip may struggle, even if they are favored.
5. Shop for the Best Odds and Reduced Juice
Not all sportsbooks offer the same odds. Line shopping—comparing odds across multiple books—ensures you get the best possible value. Even a small difference, like -110 vs. -105, can have a huge impact on long-term profits. This is why using crypto sportsbooks like bet105 is a game-changer.
Why Crypto Sportsbooks Are the Best Option for NHL Betting
Traditional sportsbooks often come with banking delays, withdrawal restrictions, and high fees. Crypto sportsbooks eliminate these problems, offering fast transactions, better odds, and greater privacy.
Instant Deposits and Withdrawals is one of crypto’s main features. Unlike traditional sportsbooks that can take days to process withdrawals, crypto transactions are completed within minutes. Anonymity and privacy is also extremely valued by crypto bettors. No need to link bank accounts or go through KYC verification. Your betting activity stays private.
Crypto sportsbooks also offer lower Fees and reduced juice which is an essential feature for sharp bettors. And if you select an offshore sportsbook, you will also have global accessibility, so you can place NHL bets from anywhere in the world.
bet105: The Best Crypto Sportsbook for NHL Betting
For bettors looking to take their NHL wagering to the next level, bet105 is the ultimate destination. Unlike mainstream sportsbooks, bet105 offers a crypto-first experience, ensuring better odds, instant payouts, and complete anonymity.
Why bet105 Stands Out for NHL Betting:
- Reduced Juice – Get better odds on moneylines, puck lines, and totals, maximizing long-term profits.
- Instant Crypto Payouts – Withdraw your winnings immediately, with no banking delays.
- No KYC Verification – Start betting without providing personal documents or sensitive banking details.
- Live Betting & Props – bet105 offers dynamic live odds and a wide selection of NHL player and team props.
- User-Friendly Interface – Designed for both desktop and mobile users, making NHL betting seamless and efficient.
For sharp bettors and hockey enthusiasts alike, bet105 provides the best betting experience with industry-leading odds and a hassle-free crypto platform.
