Sean Allen, a fantasy analyst for ESPN.com, breaks down the concept of over/under betting in NHL games. In hockey, the books set a line for the expected total goals, and bettors can wager on whether the total will go over or under that number. Overtime counts towards the total, but shootouts do not.
Most of the time, the total in hockey games is set at 6.5 goals, but about one-third of games have a lower total of 5.5. Allen points out that there is a slight tilt towards the under in NHL games overall, but when looking at specific totals like 6.5, the trend leans more heavily towards the under. This suggests that betting the under on games with a 6.5 total may offer a slight advantage.
On the other hand, games with a 5.5 total have been more likely to go over the line than under. Betting on the over in these lower total games has shown a modest but positive return. Allen advises bettors to focus on betting unders for higher 6.5 totals and overs for lower 5.5 totals based on the patterns observed so far in the season.
In addition to discussing over/under betting strategies, Allen also delves into how teams typically respond after being shut out in a game. Historical data shows that teams coming off a shutout loss tend to have slightly higher-scoring games in the following matchup, indicating that being shut out could serve as a motivator for teams to play more aggressively.
As the New Jersey Devils prepare to face the Florida Panthers after being shut out in their previous game, Allen suggests keeping an eye on how the Devils respond. The data indicates that teams coming off a shutout loss may exhibit a boost in offensive performance in the next game. This situational trend adds an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup and may provide a slight betting edge for fans and bettors.
When analyzing the upcoming game between the Devils and Panthers, Allen notes that the Panthers are heavy home favorites with a seven-game winning streak. Despite the Panthers’ dominance, the Devils have shown a competitive split in over/under outcomes this season. Based on the track record of both teams and historical trends, Allen predicts the over as a favorable bet for this game.
Furthermore, Allen highlights the defensive prowess of both teams in limiting shots to opposing forwards this season. This statistic is reflected in the shot props for the game, with forwards facing lower shot lines due to the teams’ strong defensive performances. Allen suggests exploring player props like Jack Hughes under 3.5 shots based on the Panthers’ suppression totals.
Overall, Allen’s analysis provides valuable insights for bettors and fans looking to gain a deeper understanding of betting trends and game dynamics in NHL matchups. By considering historical data and team performance, bettors can make more informed decisions when wagering on NHL games.