Captain Serious gets even more serious in the third period. (Photo credit: tsyp9 / iW / CC BY-SA)
Third period NHL betting isn’t offered before games the same way that first period NHL betting is, but it’s still worth knowing who are the strongest and weakest third period teams.
By knowing which teams come on in the final frame and which teams wilt, you can take advantage in NHL live betting.
Teams that struggle in the third period are good to do live betting against after two periods, while it makes sense to do live betting on teams that are strong in the third.
Best third period teams
1. Calgary +23 (48 goals for, 25 goals against)
The biggest key to the Flames’ unexpected success this season has been their ability to come back. Calgary has scored nearly twice as many goals in the third period this season as it has allowed.
2. Chicago +21 (43-22)
The Blackhawks have allowed the fewest third-period goals of all teams in the NHL this year, while scoring 43 of their own.
3. Montreal +15 (48-33)
As bad as the Habs have been in the first periods this year (-17), they’ve been nearly as good in the third.
Worst third period teams
1. Buffalo -25 (29-54)
When things unravel for the Sabres, they go south in a big way. Buffalo has allowed seven more goals in the third period than any other team in the NHL.
2. Arizona -23 (22-45)
The Coyotes score their fewest goals in the third period and allow their most goals in the third period. That’s a recipe for blowing a lot of leads or getting blown out late.
3. Columbus -21 (26-47)
The Blue Jackets have allowed nearly 44% of their goals against (47 of 107) in the third period this year, while scoring just 26 of their own.
Bodog and Sports Interaction are great sportsbooks to use for doing NHL live betting.