How Should You Approach Betting the NHL After the Olympics?

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From The Early Line Live

NHL Betting Adjustments Post-Holiday and Trade Deadline Insights

As the NHL season resumes post-holiday, bettors face unique challenges due to player availability and the upcoming trade deadline. Notably, teams like Minnesota, which had several key players missing, present a different dynamic going into the second half of the season. The recommendation is to adjust betting strategies by lowering bet sizes, such as opting for half-unit bets instead of full units.

When considering team-specific strategies, it’s important to evaluate the participation of key players during the break and how it might affect their performance. For example, the New Jersey Devils weren't only missing Jack Hughes; Nico Hischier and Jonas Siegenthaler were also absent because they were playing for Team Switzerland. Colorado and Vegas, usually seen as strong home contenders, had about a third of their team involved in international games, suggesting a potential impact on their typical performance levels.

The NHL trade deadline further complicates the betting landscape. For instance, the New York Rangers have already made significant moves by trading Artemy Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings and there are ongoing discussions around potentially trading Vinny Trocheck. Such player movements can weaken a team's talent pool, influencing upcoming games. Therefore, bettors should look for money lines closer to even or favorable underdog bets, rather than placing heavy money on usual favorites, due to the increased unpredictability.

Overall, a cautious and informed approach, considering both the fatigue from international duty and potential roster changes due to trades, is advisable for betting on NHL games in the latter part of the season.