Ice hockey: the bet depends on which period counts
The key difference in ice hockey betting is that markets may refer to regulation time or to the final result including overtime and shootouts. The same team can “win” in one market and “lose” in another.
Markets, odds and limits are set by the operator and change constantly; this page explains the principles.
Regulation time or final result
- 1X2 in regulation time — 60 minutes; a draw is possible.
- Winner including overtime and shootouts — two outcomes.
- Total goals — check whether overtime is included.
The puck line
Goals are scarce, so the handicap is usually 1.5 goals. A favourite at −1.5 must win by two or more. That changes the odds considerably.
Margin
A three-way regulation-time market usually carries a bigger margin than a two-way market. The calculation is the same: add 1/odds for every outcome.
Live betting and an empty net
Goals can come in quick succession, and live odds shift sharply. Power plays, penalties and pulling the goalie late in the game change the market within seconds. It feels like a window of opportunity, but the risk is high.
If you watch and bet at the same time, set the number of bets and the amount before the first period. It is the same principle as a slot session budget: decide before the game, not during it.
Big tournaments
International tournaments draw a lot of attention, and betting activity rises. Operators add markets and promotions. In such periods a budget for the whole tournament, rather than per match, is particularly useful.
Shootouts and totals
How a shootout is counted in totals depends on the market rules: often the shootout counts as a single goal or not at all. It is a small detail that settles many disputes, so read it before betting on totals.
What to check
Before betting, read whether the market includes overtime, how shootouts are counted and whether there are separate period markets. On bet types — bet types.