posted April 8, 2008 at 14:27 EST in NHL Free Picks

While hockey is one of BetUS sportsbooks least wagered on pro contests, it can offer mega dollars if you understand the NHL wagering business.

The seasoned bettor understands the game like the back of his hand, but for some this year's NHL playoffs will be their first go at investing in hockey. For newbie's on the ice, here's some general information and a first-round selection to get you started.

There are three basic options when it comes to betting on puck action that includes: moneyline, puckline or spread, and over/under. There are also props and other exotics listed in the BetUS NHL odds, but those should be left for the more advanced and experienced hockey bettors.

The most popular form of hockey betting is the moneyline. Selecting a team on the moneyline means that you are betting on them to win the game straight up.

The puckline or spread is always set at 1½ goals. If you wager on a team at +1½, they can win, tie, or lose by one goal as the underdog. If you place your bet on the team favored by –1½, they must win by at least two goals in order for your wager to win.

When betting on hockey totals, you are wagering on whether the combined goal total by both teams will be higher or lower than the set total. The total is usually set no lower than 5 goals and no higher than 6½ goals. Note: Shootouts result in only one goal being added to the final score.

Now that you understand the basics and you're ready to bet on NHL play, let's get you started with a money-making selection.

This year's postseason begins on Wednesday with first round matchups. There are four games Wednesday and four on Thursday. After the first two days, one team will be 1-0 and the other club will be off to a shaky start at 0-1 in the best-of-seven series.

The No. 4 seeded New Jersey Devils are favored to win Game 1 on Wednesday (7:00pm EST) at -130 on the moneyline over the No. 6 seeded New York Rangers (+110).

This will be the second straight time the teams have met in the opening round with the Devils sweeping the Rangers in the first round in 2006.

This matchup will most likely be decided by goaltenders. New York’s Henrik Lundqvist will have to be at his best to better New Jersey’s Martin Brodeur.

Brodeur is 44-27-6 in 77 starts this season with a .920 save percentage and a 2.17 GAA. He was 25-14-2 on home ice with a sharp 2.13 GAA. Brodeur posted four shutouts. In his career, he's 39-19-15 against the Rangers with a stout 2.06 GAA.

Against the Rangers, the Devils are 24-7-2 in the last 33 games played in New Jersey and 37-17-11 overall in the last 65 meetings.

The Devils are tougher, bigger and stronger. That's exactly what teams need to be in postseason games which are played tight and physical.

NHL Free Picks: New Jersey Devils -130 (moneyline) Game 1

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