Bodog Beat

The NHL season is already underway – they got things started early with a couple of games in Europe. (AP Images)

Now it’s time for the rest of the league to join in.

It’s not the most popular betting sport, but there’s no denying how profitable hockey can be for handicappers.

The mechanics of the bet are easy enough. You have a moneyline, which is common to all four major North American sports. Or you can bet on the puckline, which is the same concept as the runline in baseball. Totals are very popular in hockey and very simple, too: over or under six goals, for example.

When analyzing a matchup, look first at the goaltenders. They’re the most important players out there by far, and save percentage is a decent measuring stick for their performance. You’ll also find value in teams who are strong on the blueline and the penalty kill.

Get all your hockey odds in the Bodog Sportsbook and place your bets!