A point spread is "the great equalizer" as it's designed to turn every game into a 50/50 proposition. Hockey has a variety of ways to wager, such as money lines, point spread totals, and puck lines. For instance, Montreal can be listed as a "-150 favorite on the moneyline" and "even-money on the (-1.5) puckline". The Canadiens simply have to win the game to collect on the NHL moneyline, but have to win the game by more than one goal for bettors to collect the puck line.

Why Use Free NHL Picks Against the Spread

There are different betting options attached to each hockey game. You can wager on the favorite or NHL underdog, the Over/Under, the total goals scored by all NHL teams in one day ("Grand Salami"), as well as puck lines, NHL props, and NHL parlays. Identifying the best odds to attack requires breaking down the matchup and gauging whether the odds are accurate, undervalued, or overvalued. All of that requires a working knowledge of hockey along with an understanding of how odds are made. Getting tips and information from established betting professionals is one of several ways to build your hockey wagering skills.

Betting Value in Free NHL Picks Against the Spread

Point spreads don't always stay the same. There is all kinds of line movement taking place during the day right up until the puck drops. A hockey Over/Under can shift from "5.5 (Over -110)" to "5.5 (Over -135)" to "6 (Over-even money)". That would mean more money is coming in on the Over. The sportsbooks have to adjust their numbers to try and entice more Under money to help balance their books. This is why putting in the effort to handicap a game correctly and betting early is essential to winning money consistently. An informed and prepared bettor can get down on the best odds. If you bet the Over at "5.5 (Over -110) laying $110 to win $100 and the final score was 4-2, you'd win while someone who wagered at 6 would push, getting their money back.

Wunderdog Free NHL Picks Against the Spread

There's a lot of daily hockey information to compile. The key is to streamline the essentials while discarding less important data. I've been a successful handicapper in all sports for over 20 years. My daily newsletters identify the best picks along with the reasons why. I also have a past picks page, unlike most services, that shows every win, loss, or tie. I've learned how to streamline the most essential betting information and exploit the softest odds on the hockey card. Because there are only two handicapping bottom lines: consistent winning and building a betting bankroll.

Free NHL Picks Against the Spread vs. Premium Picks

Free NHL Picks Against the Spread Pros:

  • Valuable information with no risk or cost
  • Understanding the mechanics of early and late line movement
  • A mixture of sides, totals, and other bets provides insight into how the pros wager

Free NHL Picks Against the Spread Cons:

  • Little insight provided and too many trends
  • Professional betting services should not hide their past results
  • Who the so-called "expert" handicapper is might not be clear

Premium NHL Picks Against the Spread Pros:

  • Streamlines the best info and top picks on the betting card
  • Insight into situational handicapping
  • A window into what games the pros are backing and why

Premium NHL Picks Against the Spread Cons:

  • Odds could shift from your book which is why line shopping is important
  • Profit margin narrows with the extra cost
  • Too many picks could confuse novice bettors if the reasons aren't clearly defined

How To Win With Free NHL Picks Against the Spread

Wagering is a serious business. The sportsbooks are trying to take your money while you're trying to beat them at their game. Winning requires a meticulous examination of hockey information weighed against the posted (and shifting) odds. Sometimes there are no edges with the side or total, but excellent spots for pucklines, team totals, or props. Studying betting basics alongside a documented professional bettor will increase your understanding of what to look for and the way the numbers game is played.

Free NHL Picks Against the Spread Betting Strategy

Undervalued Dogs

Young, rebuilding NHL teams often take time to begin turning things around. The coach has to assess the best lines, figure out what players aren't working, and bring up kids from the minors to see if they can fit in better. They can be under-the-radar teams that few pay much attention to. That includes the oddsmakers, as those teams don't attract a lot of betting action the way high-profile teams do. However, those young teams can begin to get competitive. A good handicapper gets ahead of the curve to spot improving, undervalued teams and can take advantage, especially when they're in the role of underdog.

Team Urgency

Some teams approach games with more interest and urgency than others. If one of the best teams in the NHL is running away with their division, the team might put the breaks on a bit. At the end of a long road trip, for instance, a coach might give some players a day off or bring up some kids from the minors to see what they can do. They can be favored but overvalued. Other times, teams can be battling for playoff positioning or fighting for their postseason lives down the stretch. They can approach games with enormous urgency while facing teams that are less interested in a big effort. Many times, the overall stats don't tell the whole matchup story providing strong situational handicapping spots for savvy bettors.

Soft Totals

If the betting odds on the favorite and underdog are accurate, don't move past analyzing the game. Look at other odds posted, such as the total. Talented offensive teams will go into slumps during a long season. Try and identify the reasons why, such as injuries, road travel, or lineup changes. Oddsmakers will post their Over/Under numbers based on seasonal stats but if a strong offensive team is in a slump, the total can be overvalued. In addition, lower-scoring games can be anticipated with matchups such as a pair of strong defensive teams facing each other or a game that means a lot in the standings for both teams so a fierce defensive effort can be expected, which often happens in the playoffs.

Free NHL Picks Against the Spread Subscription

All my NHL picks are examined thoroughly for mismatches and the top wagering value. And I explain the reasons why in every selection. Signing up for my free picks on a subscription service gives you access to top-notch betting insight at no risk or cost. It also helps expand your wagering opportunities as you will improve your understanding of props, parlays, and Over/Under selections. Absorbing the right way to wager with the aid of a documented professional bettor helps give you an edge over the bookmakers.

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