When you place a bet on the NHL, you aren’t just betting on your favorite team. You also need to consider the total number of points that will be scored by both teams during the game.
While it is nice to be able to guess which team will win based on their last match or the strength of their lineup, the reality is that the amount of points scored is almost always a surprise. Especially since the spread between the two teams is usually very slim. Unless you’re reading the weekly sports book, it’s usually a case of the favorite going over. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t consider the total number of points scored when handicapping a game.
In this article, we’re going to discuss the significance of the +7 number and how you can apply it effectively to your betting decisions.
The Significance Of The +7 Number
The +7 number is pretty self-explanatory; it represents the number of points scored by the visiting team. In the case of a push, or a tie, there will be no points scored. But as we’ve established, you usually have to go with the favored team, which means that most of the time the +7 number will end up being positive. This means that if you’re playing against the spread, you can expect that the amount of points scored by the visiting team will be at least seven more than the total amount of points scored by the home team.
Since the total number of points scored is usually the key factor in determining the winner of a game, placing a +7 on a hockey line will usually make your job as a sports bettor much easier. You won’t have to worry about whether or not your favorite team will cover the spread, because they’ll usually have at least seven points to cover. This tends to limit the mistakes you can make as a football handicapper, since you can’t afford to give up too many points in the case of a loss.
How Do You Calculate The +7 Number?
Once you’re aware of the significance of the +7 number, it’s easy enough to figure out how to calculate it. Simply add seven to the total number of points scored by the home team. So if the home team scores 3 goals, your 7-point total will be equal to 10, because 7 + 3 = 10. But if the home team scores 5 goals, your 7-point total will be equal to 13. This is because 7 + 5 = 12. Essentially, the more goals the home team scores, the higher the +7 total will be. And the opposite is true for the away team. If they score a lot of goals, the total will be closer to 0. This is because 7 + 0 = 0.
Use The +7 Number To Your Advantage
It’s important to remember that the +7 number is a guideline, not a hard and fast rule. Sometimes the home team will struggle, and in these cases, you can take advantage of the away team’s lack of scoring. For example, if the home team scores one goal and loses by one goal, you’ll win because the net gain is six points. Alternatively, if the home team scores three goals but loses by one goal, you’ll still win because you’ll have an effective +7 number.
The key is to know when to use the number and how much reliance you should place on it. If you find that the home team struggles against particular opponents more than others, try backing them in these games. Or if you’re feeling particularly lucky, punt on the over in a game where the total is lower than your effective +7 number. Using numbers to advantage is something that not all sports bettors are born gifted at, so it pays to develop your own edge. With a little bit of research, you can discover the best way to make the most out of the +7 number, and that’s what separates the successful sports bettor from the average Joe. But then again, maybe that’s just how you want to think of yourself.
The Basics Of Handicapping Hockey
In the world of hockey, there are a few basic strategies that apply across the board. First, always bet on the favorite. This is simply because there’s more money to be made, and the house always wins in the long run. Second, avoid betting on teams that are poorly equipped to cover the spread. For example, if you feel that the Detroit Red Wings will cover the 3-point spread in a game, but they’ve got a bad habit of blowing leads, you might want to avoid backing them in this instance. Third, watch out for games with lots of ties. These games are usually dull due to the lack of scoring, and unless you catch a few of them on a lucky streak, they aren’t worth your time. Lastly, use whatever statistics you can get your hands on. It’s impossible to keep track of every single detail of a hockey game, and while this might seem like a trivial point, you can bet that the team that wins the most online polls gets an edge in the post-season. Don’t get too wrapped up in individual achievements, such as Stanley Cup rings, because at the end of the day, it’s all about the team.
As you can see, there are quite a few things that you need to keep in mind when gambling on hockey. But with a little bit of research and preparation, you’ll be able to make the right choice and minimize your losses. And when you do make a right choice, you’ll feel incredibly happy, because what’s better than winning occasionally and enjoying a nice drink with friends?