Strategies for Stanley Cup Bets
Ice hockey fans worldwide rejoice when an NHL starts and look forward to enjoying the action weekly. However, eyes are inevitably drawn towards the centerpiece event, even at the start of the season. The Stanley Cup is the culmination of a whole season, with two teams battling to have their names etched into history by lifting the trophy.
It will be the top two teams competing for the win, so it is unlikely there is a strong favorite with oddsmakers. Bettors find many different avenues to place their wagers, including total, prop, and spread bets. With so many options to choose from, bettors can get lost and not makethe smartest bets. Our expert guide will give you some tips on making the most of betting on one of the sporting events of the year.
Tips for Smart NHL Betting
Here are the key things to keep in mind when looking to bet on the Stanley Cup:
Watch for Updates on Injuries
At the end of the day, when a sporting event starts, the fate of the game is in the hands of the players. That includes all the wagers placed on the game as well. Some players are more important to teams than others, so checking on theseplayers’ form and fitness before the game starts is critical. If a team’s star player suffered an injury in the game before and is ruled out for the final, then perhaps that team will struggle. This doesn’t just apply to star players, as squad depth is anessential factor in success for an NHL team. Ensuring you know who is likely to be lining up for both teams is vital information to have before placing your bets.
Research is Essential
As with many things having more information will let you place betterbets. In the case of the Stanley Cup matchup, this is especially important. What has been each team’s main strength in their runs to the final? If a team has simply outscored their opponents but not been very effective defensively, you could expect a high-scoring game.
Look at the quality of opposition faced in the games they placed to reach the final as well. Due to the seeding system, teams that do well during the season will, in theory, have easier games. Could a team be flattering to deceive because the quality of opposition is lower? If they walked over every team, they faced this could be a good sign. If every game the team played was forced to game six or seven, perhaps the team is not too strong.
There are many factors to consider and make sure you have researched before placing your bets.
Pay Attention to Special Teams
In the NHL, special teams’ scoring has become increasingly important. Team scoring has declined in the NHL in recent years, but teams have offset this by focusing on special teams. Teams that can score when not playing in the standard 5-5 formations may have the ability to edge past opponents in big games. Teams with strong powers plays should be held in equal regard to teams that have excellent penalty-killing units. These factors candecide games and so are worth your investigation before the game begins.
Is it Legal to Bet on the Stanley Cup in The US?
For those who wanted to bet on the Stanley Cup, in the past, this would have involved a trip to Nevada, the only state that could take sports betting wagers. Since 2018, when the US Supreme Court deemed the PASPA unconstitutional, there are many states where you can place bets on the game. You can start betting as long as you are within the borders of a state where online sports betting has been legalized, and you are of legal age. Download a sportsbook app or use a desktop site and place your bets for the Stanley Cup.
