NHL Betting Picks
Looking for free NHL picks & betting tips for the 2020-21 NHL season?
Our experts provide picks, betting tips, predictions, previews and best bets for the biggest ice hockey league in the world throughout the season, including the NHL All Star Game, the NHL Playoffs and the Stanley Cup Finals.
Due to the pandemic delaying the start of the 2020-21 season, the NHL is operating on a different schedule this year.
The regular season will run from January 23, 2021 until May 8, 2021. The playoffs are slated to get underway on May 11, 2021 with the Stanley Cup Finals scheduled to finish on or before July 15, 2021.
ExpertPicks.com will have all of the NHL picks, predictions and tips you need right here.
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What NHL Betting Markets Can I Bet On?
The main NHL betting markets are Moneyline, spread and over / under total goals:
Money Line - The money line is betting on which team will win the game. There is no option for a draw in the NHL, with teams going to overtime and/or a shootout if the score is tied at the end of regulation, so the moneyline is a two-way market in which you bet on one team to win, and it includes overtime.
Line - The line market is more also known as a handicap. Bookmakers will assign one team a positive (+) or negative (-) spread, line or handicap depending on favoritism for the game, and the bettor bets to cover the line.
Let’s use an NHL game between the Florida Panthers and Chicago Blackhawks as an example. If the Blackhawks start with a +1.5 line and you bet on the Blackhawks, they need to win the game or lose by less than 2 goals in order for your bet to win.
On the other side of the coin, the Panthers would be assigned a -1.5 line spread meaning they would need to win by 2 or more goals in order for your bet on the Panthers to be a winner.
Over / Under Total Goals - This NHL betting market allows bettors to bet on the total amount of goals scored in a game by both teams. The sportsbook will set a line, let’s say 5.5 goals and you can bet on the total goals scored by both teams going over or under that total.
What Is An NHL Parlay Bet?
A parlay bet is when you place a sports bet using multiple selections (this is known as an accumulator in some countries). Parlay bets can be placed using one selected sport or league or can be placed on one competition. That means you can place an NHL parlay bet during the regular season and the playoffs as long as you can make at least two selections.
Parlay betting is a popular form of betting because it allows you an opportunity to make big wins from small stakes due to the enhanced risk involved. If, for example, you make three selections in your bet, you will need all three to be a winner for you bet to be successful. Some bookmakers will offer you the chance to insure your NHL parlay bet and others will give you the chance to boost your winnings. For details on these NHL betting promotions, read on:
Are There Any NHL Betting Promotions?
Of course there are NHL betting promotions. Hockey remains one of the most popular sports across North America so it goes without saying that there are a host of NHL betting promotions available from licensed bookmakers throughout the regular season and the postseason.
These vary in type, with some offering customers the opportunity to insure their bets, while other offer customers the chance to add bonuses to their winnings. One leading sportsbook offers customers the chance to claim bonuses of up to 70% on winning NHL parlay bet, while another will refund your losing wager if one selection in your parlay bet lets you down.
Parlay bets are not the only types of bets covered. A leading sportsbook in the US currently offers to pay customers out early if the team they back in the Moneyline market takes a 3-goal lead at any point in the matchup. It does not matter if they go on to win or lose.
So whichever bookmaker you place your bets with, check out the bookmaker promotions section in order to find out what NHL betting promotions are available to you. And if you are looking for a new bookmaker to place your NHL bets with, check out our review section here.
NHL Live Streaming
Throughout the 2020/21 season bookmaker bet365 will be live streaming selected games from the NHL direct to your iPhone, iPad or Android device, as well as desktop, meaning you don't have to miss a moment of the action.
Live streaming is only available to eligible customers and to watch an NHL live stream all you need is a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours. Read on for our step-by-step guide to watching NHL live streams at bet365:
How To Watch NHL Live Streams
- Visit the bet365 website
- Log into your account or register for one
- Navigate to the In-Play link on the homepage
- Choose 'hockey'
- Select an NHL match with a play icon beside it
- Make sure you have met the relevant NHL live streaming rules
- Once the game gets underway you will have access to live streaming and in-play betting
* To use the Live Streaming service you will need to be logged in and have a funded account or to have placed a bet in the last 24 hours. Any fixture/event on the website which has the Play or Video icon next to it is scheduled to be shown via Live Streaming. 18+ terms and conditions apply.
NHL FAQs
What is the NHL?
The NHL (National Hockey League) is a men's professional ice hockey league in the United States and Canada.
When is the NHL regular season?
The 2020-21 NHL regular season takes place from January 23, 2021 and ends on May 8. 2021.
When are the NHL Playoffs?
The 2020-21 NHL playoffs will be played from May 11 to July 15. The 2020-21 NHL Stanley Cup Finals will take place in July with the last possible date July 15.
What is the NHL Stanley Cup Finals?
The NHL Stanley Cup Finals is a seven match series between the Western Conference winners and Eastern Conference winners to decide the winner of the Stanley Cup.
Who has won the most Stanley Cups?
The Montreal Canadiens have both won 24 Stanley Cups.
When is the NHL All-Star Game?
The 2021 NHL All-Star Game was postponed.
How many teams are in the NHL?
There are 31 teams in the NHL. The 31 teams in the NHL are Anaheim Ducks, Arizona Coyotes, Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Calgary Flames, Carolina Hurricanes, Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, San Jose Sharks, St. Louis Blues, Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs, Vancouver Canucks, Vegas Golden Knights, Washington Capitals, Winnipeg Jets.