Betting on the underdogs in the National Hockey League (NHL) can be a smart strategy for sports bettors. While most bettors tend to focus on favorites, underdogs can provide a higher payout and often have a better chance of winning than the odds suggest. In this article, we will explore why betting on underdogs in the NHL can be a profitable strategy and provide some examples of big underdogs winning in NHL games.

One reason why betting on underdogs can be a smart strategy in the NHL is that the league is known for its parity. Unlike other sports leagues, where there are a few dominant teams that regularly win, the NHL has a much more even distribution of talent across teams. This means that even if a team is listed as an underdog, they can still pull off a surprise victory.

Taking the Risk: Why Betting on NHL Underdogs Can Yield Big Rewards

Another reason to consider betting on underdogs in the NHL is that the odds often overestimate the chances of the favorites. Similar to other sports, favorites are usually expected to win by a certain margin, and the odds reflect this expectation. However, this can lead to inflated odds for underdogs, creating an opportunity for a higher payout.

Let’s take a look at some examples of big underdogs winning in NHL games. On January 7, 2020, the New Jersey Devils faced the Boston Bruins. The Bruins were heavily favored to win, with odds of -265. The Devils, on the other hand, were listed as underdogs at +220 odds. This means that if you had bet $100 on the Devils to win, you would have earned a payout of $320. In a surprising upset, the Devils won the game 3-2, providing a big payout for those who had bet on the underdog.

Another example of a big underdog winning in the NHL occurred on April 12, 2019, when the Columbus Blue Jackets faced the Tampa Bay Lightning. The Lightning were favored to win by a wide margin, with odds of -350. The Blue Jackets, on the other hand, were listed as underdogs at +275 odds. This means that if you had bet $100 on the Blue Jackets to win, you would have earned a payout of $375. In a shocking upset, the Blue Jackets won the game 4-3, providing a massive payout for those who had bet on the underdog.

One more example of a big underdog winning in the NHL is from the playoffs in 2018 when the Vegas Golden Knights faced the Winnipeg Jets. The Jets were favored to win the series, but the Golden Knights were listed as underdogs at +130 odds. This means that if you had bet $100 on the Golden Knights to win the series, you would have earned a payout of $230. In another shocking upset, the Golden Knights won the series in five games, providing a huge payout for those who had bet on the underdog.

Of course, not every underdog wins, and it’s important to do your research before placing a bet. One strategy is to look for underdogs that have been performing well recently or have a particular advantage in the matchup. For example, a team with a strong goaltender could be a good bet even if they are facing a stronger overall team.

In conclusion, betting on underdogs in the NHL can be a smart strategy for those willing to take a risk. The parity in the league means that any team can win on any given day, and the odds often overestimate the chances of the favorites. By doing your research and looking for underdogs that have a particular advantage or are performing well, you can increase your chances of making a profitable bet. With the right strategy, betting on underdogs in the NHL can be a profitable and exciting way to enjoy the sport.