Close games are a common feature of Western Conference hockey. When two well-matched teams meet, the score can be tied after 60 minutes, ending in five-minute extra time or a shootout. However, most Canadian bettors look at the same number, the money line, and miss the markets that deal with the end of the game. Whether you are new to betting or just curious where to bet on NHL games in Canada and the best Canadian hockey betting sites, it helps to know that the bottom line can be priced in a few different ways. Here are three overtime markets worth understanding and how each works.
Know the format before pricing anything
The NHL regular season draws games in a special way. If the game is tied after 60 minutes, the teams play a five-minute overtime with three skaters. If it’s still tied, a shootout decides the winner. In the playoffs, the format is different. The 20-minute sudden-death periods are five-on-five until someone scores. Betting markets follow these rules, so the outcome of the bet depends on which specific outcome the market covers.This is where many players get caught. The standard money line usually includes overtime and a shootout, so the team that wins either one is the winner. Other markets only count the first 60 minutes and a draw is a separate result. Read each marketplace’s rules before posting anything.
Market first: three-way settlement line
The three-way line, sometimes called the 60-minute line, treats the game as having three possible outcomes: a home win, an away win or a draw after regulation. Since a draw is now an outcome in itself, the price per team is usually longer than on a standard money line.This market is suitable for matches where you expect a close game but cannot pick a winner with certainty. A tie between evenly matched clubs in the Western Conference often carries a price that reflects its actual frequency, roughly four games in most seasons. An important caveat is that if the game goes to extra time, bets on either team lose. You only bet on the first 60 minutes.
Second market. will the game go to overtime?
This is a simple yes or no market. You don’t pick a winner, just that the game will be even after regulation. Because it removes the question of which team is better, it’s useful for thinking about matchups in terms of style.Teams that play solid defense, limit shots, and have strong goaltending tend to produce low-scoring games, and low-scoring games are more likely to end in a tie. A matchup between two such teams might be a better candidate than one between teams that freely trade chances. Check recent goalscoring records, goalkeeper form and whether any of the teams are playing for a second time, as tired teams tend to play more conservatively.A yes price usually implies odds close to the league average for games that go to overtime. If your own view of a particular match is clearly higher than the implied figure, there may be value. If it is not, there is no reason to bet.
Market Three: A Method to Win
The third market asks how the winning team wins in regulation, overtime or a shootout. It’s a more detailed way of getting the same view, and prices are longer because there are more results.The overtime and shootout options are interesting. A team with an elite finish that can create chances on three-on-three plays is different from a team that relies on a defensive structure. Likewise, the results of a shootout depend heavily on a few skaters and the goalie in net, making them closer to a coin flip than many bettors realize. That is why the price is important. A long price on a two-outcome event is not a bargain unless it is truly longer than the actual chance.
Comparing is half the battle
Lines for these markets are less crowded than for the main game and may vary more between platforms. If there is more than one option in your state, compare them. Note the name of the market, as ‘3-way’, ’60 minutes’ and ‘regulation’ can mean the same thing, and check that the extra time and shootout rules match your understanding.It also helps to remember that hockey history is littered with games that went to overtime and games that didn’t, and neither one says much about what comes next. It Top 15 NHL Teams of All Time The countdown is a fun reminder that even the greatest teams have had many one-goal games. For the actual league rules that The official website of the NHL is the best link.
Keep it fun and keep it small
None of these markets are foolproof, and sportsbook margins mean that most players lose out over time. The smart approach is to treat betting as an extra layer of fun on top of the games you already enjoy. Set a budget before the season starts, bet only a small part of it on any game and never try to win back what you lose. Use the deposit and terms that licensed platforms provide.You must be 19 or over to place a bet in most provinces. Gambling can be addictive. If this affects you or someone close to you, the Center for Addiction and Mental Health offers confidential support at 416 535-8501, press 21.
