Betting on hockey has always been popular among fans of this spectacular sport. However, to increase your chances of success, it is not enough to just intuitively guess the results of matches. It is important to understand and use odds and statistics correctly. In this article, we will look at how to intelligently analyze statistics and odds to improve the efficiency of your hockey bets, providing step-by-step recommendations and tips.
Basics of Understanding Odds in Hockey
Odds are the basis of sports betting, and understanding them correctly is the first step to successful betting. Odds reflect the probability of an event’s outcome determined by bookmakers. They can be presented in various formats: decimal, fractional and American.
● Decimal odds : most popular in Europe. For example, a coefficient of 2.00 means that for every 100 rubles bet you will receive 200 rubles if you win.
● Fractional odds : used in the UK. A coefficient of 3/1 means that for every 100 rubles bet you will receive 300 rubles in profit.
● American odds : show how much you need to bet to win 100 rubles (for negative odds) or how much you can win with a bet of 100 rubles (for positive odds).
Collection and analysis of statistical data
Collection and analysis of statistical data are key stages in preparing for betting on hockey. Key metrics to pay attention to include:
● Team form : latest match results, winning or losing streak.
● Head-to-head matches : history of matches between specific teams.
● Player statistics : number of goals scored and goals conceded, penalty minutes, shot percentage.
● Home and away matches : team results at home and away.
This data can be found on specialized websites, in analytical reports and in news articles. It is important not only to collect data, but also to be able to interpret it.
Use of advanced statistics
Advanced statistical indicators provide deeper understanding of the game and help you make more informed bets. Let’s consider the main ones and their significance for the analysis of hockey matches.
Corsi and Fenwick are metrics that measure puck possession and control of the game.
● Corsi includes all shots towards the goal (goals, misses, blocked shots). It is calculated as the sum of all throws of the team and its opponent. This metric helps determine which team had more control of the puck during the game.
Example of Corsi calculation:
○ Team A: 30 shots, 20 misses, 10 blocked shots.
○ Team A’s Corsi = 30 + 20 + 10 = 60.
● Fenwick is similar to Corsi but does not include blocked shots. This allows you to more accurately assess the actual pressure on the opponent’s goal.
Fenwick calculation example:
○ Team A: 30 shots, 20 misses.
○ Fenwick team A = 30 + 20 = 50.
Using Corsi and Fenwick helps you understand which team created more chances and dominated the ice.
PDO is a measure of a team’s luck, which is calculated as the sum of the percentage of shots made and the percentage of shots saved:
● Shooting percentage : number of goals divided by number of shots.
● Shot save percentage : The number of shots saved by a goalkeeper divided by the total number of shots on goal.
PDO calculation example:
● Team A: shot percentage – 10%, save percentage – 90%.
● Team A PDO = 10% + 90% = 100.
A value close to 100 is considered normal. If the value is above 100, it may indicate temporary luck; if below, it may indicate bad luck. PDO analysis helps to understand how sustainable the team’s current results are and whether they may change in the future.
xG (expected goals) is a metric that evaluates the quality of shots and the likelihood that they will result in a goal. It takes into account various factors such as:
● Distance to the gate.
● Attack angle.
● Type of throw (hit, snap, etc.).
● The presence of defenders in the path of the puck.
Example of using xG:
● Team A took 20 shots with a total xG = 2.5, which means that based on the quality of their shots, 2.5 goals could be expected.
● Team B made 25 shots with a total xG = 1.8, which indicates lower quality shots.
Using xG allows you to evaluate how high-quality the team’s attacks were and whether its successes were random.
Putting advanced metrics into practice
When analyzing hockey matches, it is important to use an integrated approach, combining various indicators:
● Comparing Corsi and Fenwick allows you to determine which team controlled the puck and created more dangerous chances.
● PDO analysis helps assess how sustainable a team’s current results are and whether they are dependent on temporary luck or bad luck.
● Using xG allows you to understand how good the shots were and whether successful attacks can be expected to be repeated in the future.
Advanced statistics are a powerful tool for analyzing hockey matches and making informed betting decisions. They allow you to gain a deeper understanding of the game, identify hidden patterns and increase the likelihood of successful bets. Use Corsi, Fenwick, PDO and xG together to get the full picture and improve the efficiency of your hockey bets.
Betting strategies based on statistics and odds
Based on the collected data and analysis of odds, several effective betting strategies can be developed:
● Betting on High Odds Favorites : If analysis shows that the favorite has a high chance of winning but the odds on it are too high, this could be a profitable bet.
● Betting on Underdogs with Good Performance : Sometimes underdogs can perform well due to team form or individual performance of the players.
● Live betting based on the current game : analysis of the current progress of the match (puck possession, number of shots) can help make a bet decision in real time.
Bankroll management and mental preparation
Success in betting on hockey depends not only on data analysis, but also on proper bankroll management and psychological preparation:
● Set a budget : Never bet more than you can afford to lose. Divide your budget into several parts and do not risk the entire amount at once.
● Monitor your emotional state : avoid betting in a state of stress or euphoria after a won bet. Always make decisions based on analysis, not emotions.
● Maintain discipline : stick to your chosen strategy and resist the urge to win back after a loss.
Using odds and statistics is the key to successful hockey betting. Deep analysis, advanced indicators and development of strategies based on them significantly increase the chances of winning. Don’t forget about bankroll management and mental preparation, as discipline and composure play an equally important role in the world of sports betting. We hope that our tips will help you become more successful in betting on hockey and enjoy this exciting process.
Questions and answers
Decimal odds are most popular in Europe.
Hockey uses Corsi, Fenwick, PDO and expected goals (xG).
You can use betting strategies on favorites with high odds, outsiders with good performance and live bets based on the current game.