posted April 10, 2007 at 15:23 EST in NHL Betting Trends

During the NHL playoffs, the goaltending is tougher, the shots are crisper, and the checks are harder. For bettors, all of this, along with other factors, can determine if you win or lose.

A goalie on top of his game can carry a club a long way through what often becomes a wide-open tournament. When doing your homework, it's highly suggested you look at each goalie’s numbers produced against his current opponent.

Home ice advantage in the NHL can be a big factor. Postseason brings a much higher intensity level to players and fans. The arenas will be packed with an electric atmosphere that can often boost a home team to victory.

 

However, this doesn't always mean the home teams will cash. When factoring home ice advantage into your play, check out their one goal and OT home wins and losses, because playoffs generally produce lower scoring games and one goal outcomes; these stats may reveal a trend.

Because of the low scores investing in the unders is a solid play; using the puck line when giving away 1.5 goals on the favorites can be dangerous. Therefore, using the moneyline is suggested throughout the playoffs.

In the past five seasons, there have been five different winners to raise the Stanley Cup. There hasn't been a repeat champion since Detroit in 1997-98. And, with the Carolina Hurricanes missing this year's playoffs after raising the Cup in 2006, the trend will continue.

So who's a wise investment this year to raise the Cup? If you ask the oddsmakers they'll tell you the Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings are their choice, both at +500.

Obviously, both teams are strong as the No. 1 seeds, but we are giving Detroit the edge because of their dominating home play. The Wings were by far the best team on home ice this year, where they went 29-4-8 while outscoring opponents 144-81. Detroit opens postseason play against (8) Calgary on Thursday in a best-of-seven series at home. The two split the regular season series 2-2, each winning both home games. This is the 16th consecutive season Detroit has reached the playoffs, the longest streak in North American professional sports.

Score big with online sports betting in the BetUS.com Sportsbook; where you’ll find NHL odds and lines for every hockey game of the year. If you like to bet on NHL hockey, you’ll love the NHL player and game props in our online sportsbook. Join BetUS.com today!