Ice hockey over/under betting explained – NHL odds & betting
NHL over/under betting is one of the most popular betting lines in hockey. In this article we will cover and explain everything you need to know before placing an over/under bet in hockey. Including what over/under betting means, how to place an over/under bet, the best sportsbooks to play on over/under lines, over/under betting strategies and more!
What does over/under betting mean in hockey?
In ice hockey, over/under betting means that you are betting on whether the total number of goals scored in a hockey game. Will be over or under a specified number set by the sportsbook. You can bet over/under on either the total combined goals scored by both teams, or a single team. Over/under betting in hockey is also commonly referred to as a totals bet.
NHL over/under betting explained
To explain how NHL over/under betting works, let’s look at an example.
Let’s consider a matchup between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens. The sportsbook sets the over/under line at 6.5 goals for the game. When betting on over/under in this match:
If you place a bet on the over. You are anticipating that the total combined score of both teams will be more than 6.5 goals. For instance, if the final score is Toronto Maple Leafs 4 and Montreal Canadiens 3, the total goals scored would be 7, which is over 6.5, resulting in a win for the over bet.
If you bet on the under, you are expecting the total combined score to be less than 6.5 goals. For example, if the final score is Toronto Maple Leafs 3 and Montreal Canadiens 2. The total goals scored would be 5, which is under 6.5, leading to a win for the under bet.
Instead of betting on the total combined goals scored between both teams, you can also bet on the total number of goals scored by one team. If the sportsbook sets the over/under line at 3.5 for Toronto Maple Leafs, they have to score at least 4 goals for the over to win, and under 3 goals for the under to win.
NHL whole numbers totals betting
In the example above, the bookmaker had set the over/under line at 6.5 goals, making it so that bets on the line would either win or lose, as it is impossible for the game to end with 6.5 goals.
Over/under lines in NHL can also be set as a whole number, like 6. When betting on whole numbers over/under lines it is possible to have no winners or losers. If the over/under line is set at 6 goals, and the game ends with 6 goals, there will be no winners or losers – the bet would result in a “push”. When a bet results in a push, meaning that there are no winners or losers, everyone will get their wager refunded.
How to bet on NHL over/under
Placing a bet on NHL over/under lines is very simple. We have created this 4 step guide you can follow on how to place a bet on NHL over/under lines:
1. Find a sportsbook that offers NHL betting lines, including over/under lines.
2. If you don’t have an account at the sportsbook, sign up and create an account at the chosen sportsbook.
3. Navigate your way to the NHL page at the sportsbook website or app, and find the over/under betting lines.
4. Examine the different over/under lines offered by the sportsbook, and place a bet on the over/under line(s) you want to play.
It is important to note that you need to deposit real money into your account at the sportsbook to be able to place bets. If you haven’t got an account at a sportsbook yet you can find one here by comparing their sport bonuses.
Where can you bet on NHL over/under?
Sportsbooks that provide NHL odds and betting lines are where you can bet on NHL over/under lines. Before choosing which sportsbook you want to play at, it is important to compare different sportsbooks to see which ones offer the best sport bonuses, terms & conditions and customer service. In addition it is important to play at a legitimate sportsbook.
To make it easier for you to find a legitimate sportsbook, we at ValueGambling have created a list of the best sportsbooks that offers NHL over/under betting lines:
NHL over/under betting strategies
When betting on NHL over/under lines, there are some key factors to keep in mind. Analyzing these factors and using your findings can prove to be a great strategy when betting on NHL over/under lines. Using betting strategies can increase the chances of you winning your NHL over/under bets. Here are some of the key factors you should consider when creating a NHL over/under betting strategy:
Compare odds on different sportsbooks
One key factor is comparing the NHL over/under odds offered by the different sportsbooks. To find the best prices, it’s crucial to compare odds across various sportsbooks. This practice allows you to capitalize on the best possible price on an over/under line for a particular game.
Different sportsbooks may offer slightly different over/under lines, providing you with an opportunity to secure more favorable odds. By consistently comparing odds, you can optimize your potential returns and make more informed betting decisions.
Monitor the betting line odds movement
Monitoring the movement of the over/under line betting odds is a critical aspect of creating an effective NHL over/under betting strategy. Understanding how the betting lines fluctuate can offer valuable insights into the over/under market sentiment and public perception. If you notice significant shifts in the over/under line, it could indicate a change in the game’s expected outcome. Analyzing the reasons behind these movements, such as changes in public betting trends or the release of new information, can help you make more accurate predictions.
Keep an eye on the team line-ups and injuries
Team line-ups and injury reports play a pivotal role in determining the potential scoring capabilities of each team. In NHL over/under betting, understanding which key players are active or sidelined due to injuries can significantly impact the game’s offensive and defensive dynamics. Evaluating how the absence or presence of specific players may affect scoring potential is essential for making informed over/under predictions.
Examine at the team schedule and recent performance
Examining the team’s schedule and recent performance can provide valuable insights into their form and potential scoring trends. Factors such as fatigue from consecutive games or a recent winning streak can influence a team’s offensive and defensive capabilities. By assessing how the schedule and recent performances may impact a team’s scoring tendencies, you can make more accurate assessments when placing NHL over/under bets.
NHL over/under overtime & shootout rulings
When a hockey game is tied at the end of the third period, it typically proceeds to overtime, which is a sudden-death period where the first team to score wins. If neither team scores during the overtime period, the game advances to a shootout. The shootout involves a series of one-on-one attempts by selected players from each team to score against the opposing team’s goaltender.
In NHL over/under betting, the rules for how bets are settled when it comes to overtime and shootouts are generally straightforward; the team that wins the overtime or shootout is credited with a game-winning goal, which counts towards the total goals scored.
For example, let’s say the over/under line is set at 6.5 goals scored in a NHL game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens. At the end of the third period, the score is 3-3. If the Toronto Maple Leafs wins either the overtime or the shootout, they will be credited with the game-winning goal making the final score 4-3. In this example the final score is 4-3, totaling 7 goals, which leads to the over bets being the winners.
NHL over/under FAQ
What does under 6.5 mean in hockey betting?
Over/under 6.5 in hockey betting means that you are betting that the total goals scored in a game is either over or under 6.5 goals. Setting the over/under line at 6.5 means that the total goals scored in the game must be either over or under, as it is impossible for the game to end with 6.5 goals. If the hockey game ends with 6 or less goals the under bet is the winner, if the game ends with 7 or more goals the over bet is the winner.
What are the hockey over/under rules?
In NHL over/under betting, the rules for how bets are settled when it comes to overtime and shootouts are generally straightforward; the team that wins the overtime or shootout is credited with a game-winning goal, which counts towards the total goals scored.
What does over 6 mean in hockey?
Over 6 in hockey is an over/under line that you can bet on. When betting on an over/under line set at 6, you are betting that the total numbers of goals scored in the game is higher or lower than 6. If the total number of goals scored is 5 or less the under is the winner, of the number of goals scored is 7 or higher the over is the winner, and if the total number of goals scored is 6 the bet will result in push which means that everyone will get their wager refunded.
