Approach Of All-Star Break Is Key Time In NHL Betting

Keith Yandle is one of many NHL players who are involved in trade rumours as the all-star break approaches. (Photo credit: © Bridget Samuels)

The NHL all-star break is more than just the unofficial halfway mark of the NHL betting season (it’s technically around the 60% mark, actually).

It’s also an ideal time for general managers to evaluate what they’ve got and determine what their goals are for the rest of the season.

This season, some teams know they’re already dead, like the Oilers, Hurricanes and Sabres. Others are showing signs of being ready to throw in the towel, like the Coyotes dealing goalie Devan Dubnyk to the Wild this week.

Understanding the mindset of teams is always important when doing NHL betting, but it’s especially true at this time of year.

Players ‘walking on eggshells’

“Teams can’t be trusted when their players are walking on eggshells, wondering if they’ll be moved before the trade deadline,” a Sports Interaction NHL betting analyst said this week.

It’s interesting to note that the Oilers, Coyotes and Sabres — three teams we’ve already identified as sellers this season — all lost Thursday night. Buffalo was pounded 7-0 at home by the Wild, which might have been energized by the acquisition of Dubnyk.

“The Wild are a team to watch,” the Sports Interaction NHL betting analyst said. “They paid a lot of money for this roster and haven’t (got) much to show for it yet. They’re starting to run out of time too, so it wouldn’t be surprising if they strung a few wins together before the break.”

Kings might need a break

The Sports Interaction NHL betting analyst also said the Kings, who have lost six of their last eight games, might benefit most from a few days off at the all-star break.

“This team can proven it can turn it on when it needs to,” the analyst said, referencing LA’s Stanley Cup victories in 2012 and 2014.

“Still, just remember how many games this team has played over the past three years. It’s certainly possible that they’re on the downside of this run and it is concerning to see how many goals they’re giving up. Bettors might be wise to lay off the Kings until after the break.”

Los Angeles is currently offered at 20:1 on the Sports Interaction Stanley Cup betting odds. The Blackhawks are the favourites at 15:2, followed by the Ducks, Canadiens and Predators (all 8:1).