Ice Hockey Betting Strategy: Goal Markets

The 'goal' markets are not only the most exciting in ice hockey betting, they are also the most flexible and predictable. This makes them the perfect hunting ground for beginners and experienced punters alike.
Goal Markets
The 'goal' markets offered on popular ice hockey games (all major leagues and internationals) include:
- Total goals
- Total goals by team
- Total goals odd/even
- Both teams to score
- Total goals in period 1/2/3
- Player to score
- Time of next goal
- Correct score
The sheer variety available makes it is easy to tailor your bets to match the level of risk and reward in your ice hockey betting strategy.
Total Goals Market
A good strategic approach for those favouring low risk, or with limited tactical and statistical background knowledge, is to focus on the 'total goals' market. Beginners may be skeptical, but despite the large number of goals per game in most leagues, the average is relatively consistent.
In the 2012-13 NHL season, for example, 20 of the 30 teams had a 'goals per game' (for and against) average of five-point-something. A small amount of research into form will give a pretty safe bet on a market that will usually award odds around evens.
Dig a bit deeper and seek those that buck the trend in order to increase value by betting on results that fall outside of the league average. Stats are available on goals scored and goals conceded in a match too, so for higher odds players can venture in to the 'total goals by team' market.
Both Teams to Score Market
Another way to boost your takings is to look at the 'both teams to score' market. Usually the answer will be yes, but if you can find the games where a shutout is likely, or build an accumulator with several likely results, you can increase your returns without taking on too much additional risk.
Form Reading
In international games, make sure to check the form of the country, how recently they've played, and the form of their key players. Remember that a team that plays together less frequently is less predictable, but that should deliver better odds, too.
Correct Score Market
For those on the hunt for really high odds, a high-risk approach is to look at the correct score market. This is particularly interesting for predicted mismatches where 'match winner' and 'total goals' markets don't offer much value.
For example, at Sochi 2014, Russia were 1/50 to beat Slovenia, but confident bettors could place bets on a rout for big odds. For example, 6-1, 5-1 and 4-1 were all rated at 13/1, so it's possible to players to hedge their bets on several outcomes and still see healthy returns.
Check Out: Legal Ontario Sports Betting sites and major sports to bet on.
In-Play Focus
Casual players more interested in injecting some excitement, and potential profit, into their viewing experience can look to the in-play markets. 'Next goal' markets are particularly fertile when you can see the rhythm of a game changing, or when a line on a hot streak is on the ice.
Look for teams with high power play conversion rates for an extra boost on a reliable market too.
Whichever market you choose to focus on, remember to check the stats and tailor your bets to the desired level of risk and reward. For all the latest ice hockey odds, visit a top ice hockey bookmaker!
Recommended Betting Sites



- 1
€30 In Free Bets + €10 Casino Bonus When you place your first bet of €10+
Min deposit £/€/$10 • A qualifying bet is a ‘real money’ stake of at least £/€/$10 • Min odds 1/2 (1.50) • Free Bets credited upon qualifying bet settlement and expire after 7 days • Free Bet stakes not included in returns • Casino Bonus must be claimed within 7 days • To withdraw bonus/related wins, wager the bonus amount 40 times within 14 days • Casino Bonus expires after 60 days • Withdrawal restrictions, payment methods, country & Full T&C’s apply. - 2
100% up to 100€ for your first deposit
18+ New Players only. For free bet wagering requirements and minimum odds read T&C’s. www.begambleaware.org Terms Apply 18+. T&C Apply Bet Now - 3
Bet €10, receive up to €50 in Free Bets
18+ New Players only. For free bet wagering requirements and minimum odds read T&C’s. www.begambleaware.org Terms Apply 8+ New Customers only. Deposit, opt in and place a €10 qualifying bet at odds of 2.00 or greater within 7 days of opening a new account; excludes cashed out bets. Receive 2x €10 Free Sports Bets, valid on set events only at odds 2.00 or greater, expires in 7 days. Plus a €10 Game Show Bonus, selected games, wager 40x to withdraw a max of €250. T&Cs Apply. Please Gamble Responsibly. Bet Now - 4
Bet €10 & Get €50 in Free Bets
Terms and Conditions - Min deposit €5. Bet Credits available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. 18+. New players only. Gamble responsibly. http://www.gamblingcare.ie/. - 5
100% Welcome Bonus up to 100€
18+ New Players only. For free bet wagering requirements and minimum odds read T&C’s. www.begambleaware.org Terms Apply 18+. T&C Apply Bet Now - 6
Bet €10 Get €10
18+ New Players only. For free bet wagering requirements and minimum odds read T&C’s. www.begambleaware.org Terms Apply 18+. T&C Apply Bet Now - 7
Bet €10, Get €15 + €3,000 Prize Pool
18+ New Players only. For free bet wagering requirements and minimum odds read T&C’s. www.begambleaware.org Terms Apply Welcome Bonus Bet - Bet €10 Get €15 terms. This offer is for new sports customers only and is available once per household. Max. Bonus Bet amount €15. Minimum wagering on the sport to activate the Bonus Bet is €10 (which can be achieved from a Min deposit of €10). Offer valid only to customers wagering on sport €10 or more and make a qualifying bet in accordance with the Bonus Bet Specific Terms and Conditions below. 1st Place Prize: €1000. Prizes granted up to 48h after the tournament ends. Bonus Bet does not contribute towards the leaderboard. Click to see full T&Cs Bet Now - 8
100% up to €100
18+ New Players only. For free bet wagering requirements and minimum odds read T&C’s. www.begambleaware.org Terms Apply 18+. New Customers only, Min deposit €20. min odds 1.5. T &Cs apply. Bet Now - 9
Bet €10 get €30 in Free Bets
18+. T&C's apply - 10
200% up to €1500 Over Three Deposits
18+ New Players only. For free bet wagering requirements and minimum odds read T&C’s. www.begambleaware.org Terms Apply 18+. T&C Apply Bet Now
Stay In The Loop With Free Bets, Insider Tips & More!
Live Betting. Sports Promos. Sent Weekly.