Betting on the NHL (2008/2009 Edition)

The NHL season is right around the corner and the online sportsbooks have finally released their NHL futures odds on who will win the 2008-2009 Stanley Cup so now is the best time to start betting on the NHL. The number one rule when forecasting a NHL futures bet, you have to keep in mind the playoffs are a different season it's all about "survival of the fittest" and "goaltending".

Right now every media outlet is focusing on the regular season and how many points the superstars will put up for their fantasy owners. That's all nice and dandy, but these superstars normally fade away in the playoffs and it's the "muckers and grinders" and goalies who will be your best friend come next April!

Let's face it, anybody can tell you Detroit and Pittsburgh are good Stanley Cup bets, but there's no value or hedging opportunities when taking such high favorites. Here's what I like to do at the beginning of the season and using this NHL betting strategy will give you a better opportunity to make some money.

Try to find 4 to 5 teams which have a medium to long shot opportunities to make the playoffs. For example; if you place $100 on a team like the Phoenix Coyotes at +7575 to win the Stanley Cup, you will have a great opportunity to "hedge" your bet if they make the playoffs.

Here's what I mean by "hedging" your bet. Let's say you place $100 on the Phoenix Coyotes to win the Stanley Cup and that $100 pays out $7575 dollars if they win the cup. Therefore, just by Phoenix making the playoffs, you've already made money, because what you will do is start betting against the Coyotes once they start getting close on being eliminated. What I normally do is hedge my original deposit in round 1 and 2, because if you start hedging big right off the bat and the Coyotes keep winning, your net gain will be lower in the later rounds because you will be trying to recuperate your prior loses in Round 1 and 2. Normally in Round 1 and 2, I would just hedge my original deposit.

Again, this is where your risk level will come into play, as you will have the option of passing on some games that you feel your futures ticket can win. In 2004, I made $4000 on a 44-1 bet on the Calgary Flames and was able to hedge my way for a profit.

Betting on the NHL this season, I will be using the following teams as part of this "hedging" opportunity: Colorado, Carolina, Edmonton, and Toronto.http://www.atsdatabase.com/ is where you will find more of my free NHL betting plays.

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