Ice Hockey Betting Strategy: Goal Markets

The "goal" markets are not only the most exciting in ice hockey betting, but they are also the most flexible and predictable. This makes them the perfect hunting ground for beginners and experienced bettors 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 easy to tailor your bets to match the level of risk and reward in your ice hockey betting strategy.

Total Goals Market

Focusing on the total goals market is a good strategic approach for those favoring low risk or with limited tactical and statistical background knowledge. 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 the form will give a pretty safe bet on a market that will usually award odds around evens.

Dig a bit deeper and seek those who buck the trend 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 into 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, check the country's form, 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 looking for really high odds, a high-risk approach is to look at the correct score market. This is particularly interesting for predicted mismatches where the match winner and total goals markets don't offer much value.

For example, at Sochi 2014, Russia was 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 for players to hedge their bets on several outcomes and still see healthy returns.

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 a game's rhythm 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. For all the latest ice hockey odds, visit the top NHL sportsbooks.