The Edmonton Oilers and Dallas Stars are set to begin their Western Conference Finals series on Wednesday. This matchup features prominent players from both sides vying for a spot in the Stanley Cup Final, following the Florida Panthers` opening win in the Eastern Conference Finals on Tuesday.
For Game 1, Dallas is favored according to consensus odds at -129, with the projected total goals scored set at 6. If you are looking to understand how to place bets on the NHL playoffs, including this Oilers-Stars series, here`s a breakdown of common wager types.
Understanding NHL Betting
Here’s a breakdown of common NHL wagers you can place:
- Moneyline: Betting on which team will win the game outright, regardless of the score difference.
- Spread: Betting on the game`s outcome based on a predefined margin of victory or loss, often referred to as the puck line in hockey (typically -1.5 or +1.5 goals). For instance, a team at -1.5 needs to win by two or more goals, while a team at +1.5 wins the spread if they win or lose by only one goal.
- Over/Under (Total): Wagering on whether the combined score of both teams by the end of the game will exceed or fall below a specified number set by the oddsmaker. For example, an Over 6 bet wins if seven or more goals are scored in total by both teams.
- Props (Proposition Bets): Bets on specific events within the game or individual player statistics, such as total goals, assists, or shots on goal for a player, or specific team achievements.
- Parlay: A single bet combining multiple selections (or `legs`) from different games or markets. All individual bets within the parlay must win for the overall parlay bet to pay out, offering higher potential returns but increased risk.
- Live Betting: Placing bets on a game after it has already started. The odds dynamically update in real-time based on the ongoing action and score changes within the game.
Responsible Gaming Practices
It is crucial for bettors to establish limits and engage in responsible gaming. Many betting platforms provide resources and tools to help users manage their betting activity, such as options for setting deposit limits, time limits, or enrolling in self-exclusion programs. Additional national resources are available for those concerned about problem gambling, including organizations like the National Council for Problem Gambling (NCPG) and Gamblers Anonymous. Assistance and confidential help can also be accessed by calling or texting 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537).
