A Simple Guide to Betting on Hockey Periods
When people think about sports betting, they usually focus on the final score of the game. But if you’re into hockey, there’s a more focused and strategic way to bet hockey period bets. These bets are all about what happens during one period of the game, not the entire thing. You can place bets like the moneyline, puck line, or over/under on how many goals will be scored in a specific period.
Period bets let you analyze how teams perform in each phase of the game, offering some cool opportunities. Let’s break down how it all works and why it might be a smart addition to your betting game.
How Do Hockey Period Bets Work?
Hockey period bets allow you to bet on one specific period of a game, like the first, second, or third period. This means you can bet on which team will win that period or how many goals will be scored in that specific time, without worrying about the rest of the game.
Example: Period Betting in Action
- Let’s say Team A is down 3-1 after the first period against Team B.
- You place a bet on Team A to win the second period.
- In the second period, Team A scores one goal and Team B doesn’t score at all.
- Even though Team B still leads 3-2, your bet on Team A winning the second period pays off because they won that period 1-0.
Key takeaway: The only thing that matters is what happens in the period you’re betting on other periods don’t affect your bet.
Why the First and Third Periods Are So Popular
First Period Betting: Lots of Early Action
Betting on the first period is really popular because teams often come out with high energy, trying to score early. NHL games usually see 4-5 goals in the first period on average, so this is a great time for over/under bets or moneyline bets if you think one team will start strong.
Third Period Betting: Strategic Hedge
The third period is another fan favorite, especially if you’re looking to hedge your bets. If things haven’t gone as expected in the first two periods, you can place a new bet on the third period to try and make up for losses. Plus, by the third period, you’ve seen enough of the game to get a sense of how things might go, making it easier to make an informed bet.
Types of Hockey Period Bets
There are three main types of bets you can place on a specific period in hockey:
Moneyline
A moneyline bet is straightforward you’re betting on which team will win the period. If you bet on Team A to win the second period, only the goals in the second period matter. If Team A scores more goals than Team B in that period, you win.
Puck Line
The puck line is hockey’s version of a point spread. For a single period, one team might be given a -0.5 goal spread (favorite) and the other +0.5 goals (underdog). If you think the favorite will outscore the underdog in that period by at least one goal, this is the bet for you.
Over/Under (Totals)
In an over/under bet, you’re betting on the total number of goals scored in that period. For example, if the sportsbook sets the total for the first period at 1.5 goals, you bet on whether the combined score for both teams will be over or under that number.
Why Period Betting Can Be an Advantage
Betting on specific periods instead of the whole game has some unique perks:
Focused Betting
You only need to analyze how teams perform in short bursts. Some teams start strong, while others finish strong. With period bets, you can focus on these trends and make targeted bets that play to a team’s strengths during specific parts of the game.
Hedge Your Losses
If your full-game bet isn’t going as planned, you can place a bet on the third period to hedge your losses. A smart third-period bet can help you recover from earlier missteps.
More Chances to Bet
With period betting, you don’t have to wait for the entire game to unfold. You can place multiple bets during different periods, giving you more ways to stay engaged and find winning opportunities throughout the game.
Tips for Winning with Period Bets
Want to make the most of period betting? Here are a few strategies to keep in mind:
Study Team Trends in Each Period
Some teams are known for fast starts, while others heat up later in the game. Do your research on how teams typically perform in each period. For instance, if a team usually scores early, betting the over in the first period or picking them on the moneyline could be a smart move.
Pay Attention to Game Flow
The context of the game matters. If one team is down by a lot heading into the third period, they might go all-out on offense, leading to more goals. Use this information to your advantage when placing your bet.
Use the Third Period to Hedge
If your full-game bet looks shaky, consider betting on the third period as a way to hedge your losses. You can either bet on the underdog to win the period or bet on more goals being scored.
How Period Bets Can Enhance Your Hockey Betting Experience
Hockey period bets offer a more dynamic way to engage with NHL games. Instead of waiting for the final whistle, you can place bets based on how teams perform in different phases of the game. Whether you’re betting on a high-energy first period or a strategic third-period hedge, period betting gives you more flexibility and more chances to win.
By understanding team patterns, keeping an eye on the game’s flow, and making smart calls based on what you’ve seen, you can turn period bets into a fun and profitable part of your hockey betting strategy.
FAQs
Why bet on specific periods instead of the full game?
Betting on specific periods gives you more control over short-term performance, more chances to place strategic bets, and the ability to recover losses with third-period hedges.
What are hockey period bets?
Hockey period bets are wagers placed on the outcome of a specific period in a game, rather than the full game.
How are period bets different from full-game bets?
Period bets only focus on the results from one period, so goals scored in other periods don’t matter for your wager.
Why is the first period so popular for betting?
The first period often sees a lot of action as teams push hard to gain an early advantage, making it a prime time for over/under or moneyline bets.
What kinds of bets can I place on hockey periods?
You can place moneyline, puck line, or over/under bets on specific periods, depending on whether you think a team will win the period or how many goals will be scored.