The National Hockey League offers a frantic 82 game season, and for those lucky enough to make the playoffs, at least another 16 on top, before the one team remaining gets their hands on the Stanley Cup.
Here on our NHL betting page we will bring you all the latest NHL free bets, the latest updates from across the pond and everything you need to get started betting on the games.
Latest Betting Update - Summer 2023
Best NHL Free Bets
Popular NHL Betting Markets
If you are looking to get started with your NHL betting, but aren’t sure where to go first, here are some of the most popular markets that you will find available with many UK bookmakers.
- Puck line (handicap betting)
- Money line (betting including OT & penalties)
- first goal scorer / anytime goal scorer
- Total goals
- Period betting - total goals in period & who wins the period
- Winning margin
Tips for Betting on the NHL
With our tips for betting on the NHL, you can ensure you are on the right track with your betting, making no mistakes and giving yourself the best chance of success.
Firstly, the schedule is vital to your betting, make sure you understand where the two teams are when you are betting on them. It is not uncommon to see a team playing their second game in two days, going up against a team that have had three days rest. If travel is involved for the first team on top of that, fatigue is going to play a huge part in what happens on the ice.
Secondly, always make sure you check out the goalie matchup. Almost all teams have a regular starter, with a back up that will play around 20 of the 82 games in the season. Check to see which goalies are playing, this can help with many markets. If your team is playing against a backup, then you may consider them to have even more chance of winning, so you may bet on the puck line rather than the money line. Alternatively, if both backup goalies play, does this point to more goals in the game, and do you want to wager on the ‘over’ selection in the total goals market?
Finally, recent form is important to look at. With 82 games across many months, teams will go in and out of form, even the best in the league. Look for small runs where teams excel or disappoint, and try to jump in while you can. Overall, a team may look good and be in a good league position, but if they have lost three of their last four, this may be the time to go against them.
