The online wagering sites are seeing NHL betting action in full swing now as some of the teams from the Western Conference make a trip out east to take on the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Struggling teams are still trying to gain a foothold in the standings while the winning teams are finding it difficult to stay on top.

Tuesday November 8, 2011

Winnipeg Jets @ Buffalo Sabres

The Winnipeg Jets will play the 2011-2012 season in the Eastern Conference before switching over to the Western Conference next year. In the meantime, the Jets get to log more travel miles than any other team in the league as Winnipeg has to play the schedule of an Eastern Conference team while being based in the west. This game against the Sabres will be interesting because there seems to be some question as to which goalie will carry the Sabres to the playoffs this season. Superstar Ryan Miller has had his challenges while back-up Jhonas Enroth is undefeated in four starts this season.

Pick: Buffalo Sabres

Edmonton Oilers @ Montreal Canadiens

What a great hockey game this should be. Both the Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers are benefiting from great goaltending and timely scoring. Edmonton’s rookie sensation Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is living up to the hype while Montreal goalie Carey Price has found his game again. This will be a close game, but the Canadiens have a slight edge in offense that will help them win the game.

Pick: Montreal Canadiens

Colorado Avalanche @ Detroit Red Wings

The bookie software shows the Detroit Red Wings on a horrible slump. Detroit is 4-5-1 in the last 10 games and looking for anything that can help create positive momentum. Unfortunately for Detroit, the Colorado Avalanche are almost unbeatable on the road this season.

Pick: Colorado Avalanche

Online betting sites offer plenty of options for betting on NHL hockey games. Before you place your bets on your favorite NHL teams, there are some tips you should follow for deciding whether or not your favorite team is the best bet. Remember, the best price per head bookie experts bet using good information and not their emotions.

Goaltending

One of the single most important factors in determining if a team can win in the NHL is whether or not it has good goaltending. NHL goalies tend to play differently on the road than they do at home, so take that into consideration when picking your teams. Goalies are usually either consistently good, or consistently bad. Be sure you know who is starting in goal before placing your bet.

Goal Scoring

Some teams score goals in bunches, while other tend to score consistently. It is best to bet on teams that score consistently because they manage to find ways to get past the better defensive teams. The teams that score in streaks not only drive NHL fans crazy, but they can also be bad bets.

Injuries

Just like any other sport, NHL teams are affected by key injuries. But before judging the effect of injuries, take a look at the players that the team puts in to replace key players. The Pittsburgh Penguins lost superstars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin for most of the year last season, but the team still dominated. A team with a very strong defense can overcome injuries to offensive players easier than an offensive team can survive injuries to key defensive players.

The 2011 – 12 NHL season has arrived, and already fans and handicappers alike are looking for the best free picks this season. Today we will be using our bookie software, to research a couple of marquee games.

Tampa Bay Lighting At Washington Capitals – In a rematch of round two of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Washington Capitals welcome the Tampa Bay Lighting. The last time these two hooked up, the Lighting sent the Capitals back to the drawing board, as they were swept in rather convincing fashion. One of the main issues the Capitals had was that they were using a rookie goaltender in current backup Michael Neuvrith. This offseason, the Capitals agreed to a one year deal with veteran goalie Tomas Vokun, with the belief that Vokun could be the deciding factor in a Stanley Cup run.

Despite the embarrassing second round exit at the hands of Tampa Bay five months ago, the Washington Capitals are a sports betting favorite to win the Cup this season. As we noted earlier, Vokun will be the dark horse for the Capitals success, as the team’s new approach to defense, will be irrelevant if he struggles out of the gate. Look for Washington to make a statement against the Lightning as they try to exorcise past demons.

Carolina Hurricanes At New Jersey Devils – Both the Hurricanes and Devils will aim to put last season’s playoff misses in the rear view mirror. Carolina is shaping up to be more of a Toronto Maple Leafs castoff center then Calgary, as the additions of Tim Brent, Tomas Kaberle and Alexi Ponikarovsky to a team that already includes Jay Harrison, and Jiri Tlusty, makes fans wonder what exactly is going on.

Meanwhile, in New Jersey, the return of Zach Parise can only mean good things for one of the oldest cash strapped teams in the NHL. On paper, the veteran lineup of the Devils should have more firepower. Yet, this is the same team that ranked dead last in goals a year ago. Pick: Carolina.

It has been a crazy 24 hours for Canadian Belmont betting enthusiasts also gambling on the NHL. Firstly, the NHL shocked the sports betting world by agreeing to allow a Canadian company to purchase the Atlanta Thrashers and move the team to Winnipeg for the start of next season. Than to top themselves, the NHL kicks off the Stanley Cup final between two teams trying to break long Stanley Cup droughts tonight in Vancouver. Here is a preview of the Stanley Cup Finals.

This year’s Stanley Cup Final is the first time in four years that a Canadian team has made it to the Stanley Cup, as the President’s Trophy winning Vancouver Canucks battle original six franchise the Boston Bruins. On paper, this series looks like a mismatch, as the Canucks dominated the NHL with an impressive 117 points during the regular season, and grew into an elite level team as the playoffs have progressed. Boston on the contrary, had a decent regular season, but similar to the Canucks grew to be more dominant as the playoffs progressed.

After five days of layoff, the Bruins and Canucks finally get back to action tonight. Game one in Vancouver marks the first game in the Vancouver since the 1994 Stanley Cup season in which the Canucks lost in seven games to the New York Rangers. On the other side of things, the Boston Bruins haven’t seen the Stanley Cup finals since 1990 when they were swept in four games by the overwhelming Edmonton Oilers.

Tonight, something has to give, as both teams have gone undefeated in the playoffs after winning game one of a series. What’s more, history shows that the team to win game one of the finals, usually goes on to win the final. For Canadian hockey fans, let’s hope Vancouver wins game one tonight.

And then there were four, with four teams remaining in the Preakness betting Stanley Cup playoffs, the bookmakers in Las Vegas have set up brand new odds. This week, fans sports betting on the NHL, will have the opportunity to watch games two to four of both the Eastern and Western Conference Finals. Today we will be looking at the updated odds for the NHL’s final four teams.

As sports bettors, we find ourselves entrenched in a constant search for great value odds on our favorite teams. With the Stanley Cup playoff odds changing from round to round, fans are finding it more difficult to receive great value on their picks. Regardless, here are the odds for each remaining team. For all intents and purposes, the odds are placed beside each team and broken down by series.

Eastern Conference Finals Boston Bruins (+450) v Tampa Bay Lightning (+275) – Despite being ranked higher in the overall standings, the Bruins find themselves as an underdog in the Eastern Conference finals against Tampa Bay. Essentially, Tampa Bay won game one of the series by a convincing score of five to two. Therefore, the bookmakers felt that the Lightning’s game one win tied with their series victories over top seed Washington and fourth seed Pittsburgh, warranted the favorite status. Bettors taking the Lightning have to risk $100 to get back $275 on their odds. Meanwhile, bettors taking Boston to not only win the series, but the Stanley Cup, only need to risk $100 to get back $450.

Western Conference Finals San Jose Sharks (+450) v Vancouver Canucks (+110) – Prior to their game one victory over the San Jose Sharks, the Vancouver Canucks were a +160 favorite to win the Stanley Cup. Since they won game one, the Canucks saw their odds rise to +110, presenting a bit of a challenge for bettors trying to find value. Conversely, because of the game one loss, the Sharks dropped from a +250 favorite to win the Stanley Cup, to a +450 underdog. For the reason that we are in the business of finding value, we suggest that similar to taking the Boston Bruins in the East, you should take the San Jose Sharks to come out of the West, because +450 offers more value than the +110 tied to Vancouver.

You still have time for online betting on Kentucky Derby odds, but the Stanley Cup playoffs will pass the time as the chase for the Cup has started. Here is a look at who we think will square off with the Stanley Cup on the line.

Eastern Conference

Washington and Philadelphia are higher seeds, but Boston is the team that will come out of the East. They have spectacular defense and the probable Vezina winner in Tim Thomas, and they can score enough to give Thomas support. The key will be the play of Milan Lucic, who can dominate a series with his physical play and if he can remain disciplined, the Bruins should roll to the finals.

Western Conference

We would love to bet against Vancouver, but it’s tough to go anywhere else after the brilliant regular season they’ve had. Vancouver’s strength is their depth. It’s not just the Sedin twins who can score, as the Canucks can get production from all four lines, and their defense is healthy. Their x-factor is goalie Roberto Luongo, who hasn’t been at his best in the playoffs in recent years.

Stanley Cup Finals

The Bruins will be our pick to win the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1972, because we think their defense and goaltending is just a little better than Vancouver’s, although it’s definitely a series that should go the distance. Expect Lucic to play a big role here as he was born in Vancouver and played his junior hockey there, and he’ll want to put up a good showing in his hometown. Bet on the Boston Bruins in your sports betting picks.

With only two and a half months left in the sports betting season for the NHL, fans and experts alike are beginning to fine tune their predictions for the Stanley Cup. The NHL betting online trade deadline
is less than two weeks away, and teams looking to add that final piece to potentially win them a Stanley Cup are calling teams already out of the playoffs. Here is our prediction for the winner of the Stanley Cup.

The 2010-11 seasons will allow sports bettors to watch the Stanley Cup return to the Eastern Conference. Last season, the Chicago Blackhawks broke a near 50 year curse when they captured their first Stanley Cup in the modern era. This season, another original six NHL franchise will be the Stanley Cup winner, as the Boston Bruins appear to be a puck moving defenseman away from a long playoff run.

In an interesting twist that hockey handicappers never saw coming, the Toronto Maple Leafs appear to be the likely trading partner for the Boston Bruins in their pursuit of a puck moving defenseman. Annually, Maple Leafs defenseman Tomas Kaberle is speculated to be on the move, and this season is no different. However, the one difference in 2011 from years past is that Kaberle has submitted a team to his request sheet, the Boston Bruins.

For the Bruins, Tomas Kaberle makes perfect sense, as they need a versatile puck moving defenseman for their power play. Many critics of the Bruins have said if the team has any chance at contending they will have to acquire someone of Kaberle’s assets. With so much depth at forward, and the Leafs need for a top six forward, the Bruins appear to be an ideal trading partner.

Ideally, the Leafs would like to acquire third line forward Blake Wheeler, who on the Leafs would instantly become their first line center. If a Leafs and Bruins trade can get done before the trade deadline, look for Boston to capture their first Stanley Cup since 1971 – 72 seasons.

1. Maple Leafs

• A little ridiculous to have them first, but Toronto fans have every right to enjoy it while it lasts.

2. Capitals

• No surprise to see Washington putting up the highest NHL scores of the season.

3. Hurricanes

• Cam Ward and Carolina have been great, albeit against the Wild.

4. Red Wings

• Despite the OT loss, Detroit looks balanced and deep this year.

5. Stars

• Probably won’t stay here for long, but looking good for now.

6. Flyers

• As predicted, goaltending will be an issue for Philly all year.

7. Lightning

• Ryan Malone has been great so far, just ask the Habs, who lost in OT.

8. Oilers

• A little too early to call Edmonton resurgent, but fans like what they’re seeing from the young guns.

9. Avalanche

• Gutsy win against Detroit proves that Colorado might stick higher than expected in the NHL standings.

10. Blues

• Halak has been great, and the Blues are off to an excellent start.

11. Sharks

• Shouldn’t have lost against Columbus, but San Jose will be fine.

12. Rangers

• New York has fantasy owners scrambling to lay hands on rookie Derek Stepan.

13. Predators

• Won a gimme game against Anaheim, and then a tough one against the defending champs.

14. Kings

• Big things are expected from L.A. this year, but can they score consistently?

15. Canucks

• Vancouver needs time to get up to speed-they should rocket up the rankings sooner rather than later.

16. Coyotes

• Hard to tell where this team is at, after a split against Boston.

17. Canadiens

• The Habs could easily be 2-1 at this point, but they’ll take the OT loss.

18. Bruins

• Rookie Tyler Seguin scored his first NHL goal, but other than that, Boston hasn’t looked too impressive.

19. Thrashers

• Atlanta came out on fire to beat Washington in the opener, but have since come back down to earth.

20. Blue Jackets

a. Major win in Europe evens Columbus’ record at 1-1-0.

21. Islanders

• John Tavares’ concussion could spell major problems for New York. On the bright side, Nino Niederreiter looks great.

22. Blackhawks

• The champs have a target on their back, and so far, their opponents are hitting the bull’s eye.

23. Devils

• Too early to hit the panic button, but it looks like New Jersey’s roster issues might be more serious than expected.

24. Sabres

• Ryan Miller and rookie Tyler Ennis are the only bright spots on this club so far.

25. Penguins

• The Pens have looked awful to start the season, losing all three games at their brand new arena.

26. Flames

• Finally, one team that has met expectations this season.

27. Ducks

• Anaheim scored a surprising win against the Canucks, but is still 1-3-0.

28. Wild

• A shootout loss is never fun, but “fun” probably won’t be a word associated with Minnesota’s season.

29. Senators

• Ottawa’s lackluster effort against Toronto was surprising, their loss to Washington wasn’t.

30. Panthers

• Youth movements look a lot better on paper than they do on the ice.

There are many betting options when it comes to NHL games. From the money line to totals, to the puck line, hockey fans have a plethora of ways to wager on their favorite teams. Today we will be looking at puck line betting, the hockey’s run line.

Puck line betting is essentially dependent on NHL scores. Firstly, the puck line is set at one and a half goals per game and uses the plus and minus system to dictate which way the line runs. As we noted the puck line is dependent on the outcome of the game, depending on what the final score works out to be can factor into a puck line making someone a winner.

What’s more, the puck line is a unique combination between the point spread and money line. When you risk the points on the underdog, you are required to put in more money to win back less. Conversely, to take away points from the favorite you are required to risk less and can get back more. Here is how it appears.

San Jose Sharks + 1.5 – 150

Chicago Blackhawks – 1.5 + 130

The Sharks are the underdog and therefore if they win the game outright or lose the game by a goal, you need to risk $150 to win back $100. On the other hand, the Blackhawks need to win the game outright by two or more goals in order for fans that risk $100 to get back $130.

Prior to making a puck line wager, you should always research who the starting goalie is for each team. The standard for the NHL is to have the backup goalie start at least 15 games. Meaning to say, that if a strong team has a poor backup goalie, laying the point the on the underdog in that game, may be of value to you.

Betting enthusiasts new to NHL betting look no further then the grand salami wagering technique as this will help you make the most money. Although sounding similar to an MLB grand slam, the NHL grand salami is closer in comparison to the NFL over under betting technique.

In essence, the grand salami wagering technique is the over/under total amount of goals scored during a game. Throughout the regular season, one can assume that an average of six goals will be scored during a game. However in the playoffs it is much tougher to predict, because the defense is tightened up.

On most sites which offer NHL grand salami wagering, the teams are taken into account prior to establishing a total line. It is important when predicting the over/under for a grand salami wager to also take into account the teams playing and the past few games they have played leading up to your wager. By doing so, you can make your wager more accurately. For instance, if the Capitals and the Blackhawks played, fans wagering on the game would be wise to pick the two teams to go over the total, as both play an up tempo high scoring style. On the contrary teams such as the Edmonton Oilers and Boston Bruins, the team’s two lowest scoring teams, would provide a safe bet a picking the under wager.

As noted earlier, in the playoffs the over under grand salami gets more difficult to predict, because of the defensive style of play. Teams will focus more on their opponent’s top stars whether it is the forwards, defense or goalies. For example, in the playoff series featuring the Montreal Canadiens and Philadelphia Flyers, the Canadiens star player was goalie Jaroslav Halak. As a result the Flyers put a lot of pressure on Halak which allowed them to go over the totals because they were able to score a lot of goals against him.