Kris Letang and the Penguins have scored more goals in the first period this season than any other team in the NHL. (Photo credit: Dan4th / iW / CC BY)
First period NHL betting can provide some great opportunities.
While oddsmakers and bettors know all about teams’ win/loss records, things like their first-period tendencies can fly under the radar.
This is where you can take advantage.
Let’s take a look at the best and worst first-period teams in the NHL so far this year.
(Stats are current as of Jan. 2 and can be found here on the NHL website )
Best first period teams
1. Pittsburgh +17 (43 goals for, 26 goals against)
The Penguins have scored the most first-period goals in the NHL this year. 40.5% of their goals this season have come in the opening frame.
2. N.Y. Rangers +14 (37-23)
The Rangers’ first-period success is based more on their defence. New York’s 23 goals allowed in the first period ties for third-least in the NHL. Their defence isn’t nearly as good in the second period (38 goals against) or the third (32)
3. N.Y. Islanders +12 (39-27)
The Isles are consistent with their scoring, collecting 39 goals in the first period this year, 35 in the second and 33 in the third. Their defence is much better in the first period, though, allowing just 27 compared to 75 in the next two periods combined.
Worst first period teams
1. Edmonton -19 (21-40)
It hasn’t taken long for things to unravel in most of Edmonton’s games this season. The Oilers’ 40 goals allowed in the first period is the most in the NHL. Amazingly, they’ve also allowed 43 in second periods and 40 in the thirds.
2. Montreal -17 (12-29)
This is where you can get some real value with first period NHL betting. Montreal is among the best teams in the league, yet the Canadiens have managed just 12 goals in the first period this year. If Montreal is favoured (as they are most nights, you can get good odds on betting against them in first periods (or taking the under).
3. Calgary -13 (22-35)
As pleasant a surprise as the Flames have been this year, it hasn’t been because of their first period play. Calgary has allowed the seventh-most goals in first periods this year, and has scored the sixth-fewest goals for.
Look for value
A good first period NHL betting strategy is to look for matchups between good and bad first period teams.
On the Friday, Jan. 2 NHL betting lines, you can see where first period betting odds offer some value.
The Islanders are the third-best first period team in the NHL this season, while the Flames are the third-worst. Yet, you can bet on the Islanders in the first period at nearly even odds. Or, you could take the Islanders -0.5 on the puck line at +185 odds.
Pittsburgh, the best first period team in the NHL, is also a small favourite (-125) in the first period as it is home to Tampa. The Over 1.5 might also make sense, considering that Pittsburgh has scored so many of its goals in the first period.
First period NHL betting lines are commonly available at Pinnacle Sports, Sports Interaction and Bodog a few hours before game time.