When it comes to penalty shootouts and NHL betting, it’s like finding out your favorite hockey team signed a Zamboni driver because they ran out of players—unexpected and definitely needing clarification!
Understanding the finer details can make all the difference between a winning wager and a frustrating loss. One question that often leaves bettors scratching their heads is whether penalty shootout goals count toward specific bets. It’s a niche topic, but one that carries significant importance for anyone serious about betting on hockey. Let’s break it down in a way that’s informative, engaging, and easy to understand.
What Is A Penalty Shootout In NHL Hockey?
Before diving into how shootout goals are treated in betting, let’s quickly recap what a penalty shootout is.
In the NHL, if a game is tied after regulation time (three 20-minute periods) and a 5-minute overtime period, the game moves into a penalty shootout. Here’s how it works:
- Each team selects three players to take one-on-one shots against the opposing goaltender.
- If the score remains tied after these attempts, the shootout continues into a sudden-death format until a winner is determined.
Penalty shootouts are thrilling to watch but can be nerve-wracking for bettors. The implications of these moments go beyond just the game’s outcome—they directly influence certain betting markets.
Now, let’s dive deeper into the specific types of bets and how penalty shootouts impact each one.
Do Penalty Shootout Goals Count In NHL Betting?
The answer to whether penalty shootout goals count in NHL betting depends on the specific bet type. Different sportsbooks and bet categories handle this aspect differently, so it’s crucial to know the rules before placing your wager. Let’s break this down.
1. Moneyline Bets
Moneyline bets are straightforward: you’re betting on which team will win the game.
In this case:
- The team that wins the shootout is declared the winner of the game.
- For moneyline bettors, the shootout goals do count indirectly, as they determine the winner.
For example, if you bet on Team A to win, and they triumph in the shootout, your bet is a winner, regardless of how many shootout goals were scored.
2. Puck Line Bets
The puck line, hockey’s version of a point spread, typically gives one team a -1.5 or +1.5 goal handicap.
- Shootout goals do not count toward the puck line spread.
- If the game goes to a shootout, the winning team is credited with only one additional goal for scoring purposes, regardless of how many actual shootout goals were scored.
For instance, if the final score after regulation and overtime is 3-3, and Team B wins the shootout, the official score is recorded as 4-3.
3. Total Goals (Over/Under Bets)
In over/under bets, you’re wagering on whether the total number of goals in a game will exceed or stay under a specific number set by the sportsbook.
- For total goals bets, only one goal is added to the winning team’s tally after a shootout, no matter how many shootout attempts were successful.
- The individual shootout goals themselves do not count toward the over/under total.
This rule can significantly impact the outcome of your bet, especially in games that are tightly contested.
4. Player Prop Bets
Player prop bets focus on individual player performances, such as the number of goals or points scored.
- Shootout goals do not count toward a player’s total goals or points in the game.
- Even if a player scores the winning shootout goal, it won’t be added to their official stats.
This is an important distinction for bettors placing props on star players like Connor McDavid or Auston Matthews.
5. Period Betting
For period-specific bets, such as wagering on the total goals scored in a particular period, shootout goals have no impact.
- Penalty shootouts occur after the third period and overtime, so they don’t count toward any bets tied to regulation play or overtime.
Moving on, let’s explore how shootout goals impact NHL betting and what you should keep an eye out for.
Why Do These Rules Matter For Bettors?
Understanding how penalty shootout goals are treated in NHL betting is critical for making informed decisions. These rules can:
- Affect your strategy: For example, knowing that shootout goals don’t count toward player props might make you think twice before betting on a player in a close game likely to end in a shootout.
- Avoid surprises: Many new bettors assume that every goal, including shootout goals, counts toward all bet types. Learning the distinctions upfront can save you frustration.
So, now that we’ve tackled the why, let’s dive into the how with some strategic tips!
Tips For Betting On NHL Games With Potential Shootouts
Now that you know the rules, let’s explore some tips to help you navigate NHL betting when a shootout is a possibility.
1. Study the teams’ shootout records
Some teams excel in shootouts due to their skilled players and goaltenders, while others struggle. Reviewing past shootout performances can provide valuable insights. If a team consistently performs poorly in shootouts, betting on them to win in a shootout could be a risky wager. On the other hand, a team with a strong shootout track record might give you an edge when betting on the moneyline in closely contested games.
2. Evaluate goaltender stats
A strong goaltender can be the difference-maker in a shootout. Look at their save percentage in one-on-one situations to gauge their potential performance. For example, some goaltenders are known to perform better under pressure, especially in shootout scenarios. This insight can give you an advantage when placing wagers on goaltender-specific prop bets or moneyline bets.
3. Consider game context
Games between evenly matched teams are more likely to go to a shootout. Keep this in mind when placing bets, especially on totals or puck lines. If both teams have similar records and no clear favorite, a shootout might be inevitable. This makes moneyline bets an interesting option in tight games.
Also, take into account whether the game is played early in the season or late in the playoff push. Teams may approach games differently based on the stakes, influencing their shootout performance.
4. Check the sportsbook’s rules
Every sportsbook has its own set of rules regarding how shootout goals are treated. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines to avoid any misunderstandings. Some sportsbooks may have slightly different policies when it comes to specific prop bets or how they classify shootout-related goals in their final score tally.
On DGbet, understanding these specifics is straightforward, allowing bettors to focus on their strategies without the hassle of complicated rulebooks.
Real-Life Example: How Shootout Rules Impacted Bettors?
Let’s take a real-life example to illustrate the importance of knowing NHL shootout betting rules:
Imagine a game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Boston Bruins ends 2-2 in regulation and overtime. In the shootout, Toronto scores twice while Boston scores once.
Here’s how different bets would be affected:
- Moneyline: A win for Toronto.
- Puck Line: If Toronto had a -1.5 puck line, the bet would lose because the official score is 3-2.
- Over/Under: If the total was set at 5.5, the under would win because only one additional goal is added to the score.
Bettors who didn’t account for these nuances might find themselves on the losing end despite a correct prediction of the game’s flow.
Advanced NHL Betting Strategies Involving Shootouts
As an advanced bettor, there are several strategies you can employ when shootouts are a possibility:
- Betting on individual shootout success: Some sportsbooks offer bets on which player will score during the shootout. Knowing which players excel in these situations can give you an edge. Look at their performance history in shootouts, including their technique and shooting percentage.
- Live betting on shootouts: Some sportsbooks allow you to place live bets during the shootout. If you’re confident in the abilities of one team’s goaltender, you might want to bet live on the outcome of the shootout. This can be particularly profitable if you’re familiar with the players’ tendencies and the shootout rules.
- Hedge your bet: In cases where you’ve placed a bet on the moneyline but expect the game to go into a shootout, you might consider hedging your bet. This can mitigate the risk of losing if your original wager wasn’t placed with the shootout rules in mind.
Conclusion
Penalty shootouts add an extra layer of excitement to NHL games—and an extra layer of complexity to NHL betting. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just getting started, understanding how shootout goals are counted is essential for crafting a winning strategy.Ready to put your NHL betting knowledge to the test? Check out DGbet, where you’ll find competitive odds, intuitive features, and a platform built for passionate sports bettors. Sign up today to enjoy seamless betting on all your favorite NHL games and more!
