Learn More About NHL Preseason (Hockey)

The NHL Preseason is a series of exhibition games played before the start of the National Hockey League (NHL) regular season. It typically runs for about two to three weeks in September and early October. The preseason allows teams to evaluate their roster, experiment with line combinations, and give prospects and new acquisitions a chance to prove themselves before finalizing the lineup for the regular season.

Purpose of the NHL Preseason

1. Player Evaluations – Teams assess young prospects, rookies, and depth players to determine who will make the regular season roster.
2. Line Combinations & Chemistry – Coaches test different forward and defensive pairings to see which combinations work best.
3. Game Readiness – Veterans use these games to get back into game shape after the offseason.
4. System Adjustments – New coaching staffs or tactical adjustments can be implemented and tested.
5. Injury Recovery – Players returning from injuries use the preseason to regain confidence and conditioning.

NHL Preseason Format

• Teams usually play six to eight exhibition games.
• The games are played in various locations, sometimes in non-traditional hockey markets.
• The outcomes do not count toward regular-season standings.
• Star players often play limited minutes or sit out games to avoid injury.
• The final roster is typically set by the end of the preseason, as teams cut their rosters down to 23 players.

How to Bet on the NHL Preseason

Betting on the NHL preseason differs from regular-season betting due to unpredictable lineups and lower intensity. However, there are still plenty of opportunities to find value.

Types of NHL Preseason Bets

1. Moneyline – Betting on which team will win the game outright. Since lineups change frequently, underdogs can have value if they play more regulars than their opponent.
2. Puck Line (Spread) – Betting on a team to cover a spread (usually +/- 1.5 goals). Since games are less competitive, teams might not push hard to cover spreads.
3. Over/Under (Totals) – Betting on the total number of goals scored by both teams. Preseason games often have high-scoring outcomes due to defensive lapses and less experienced goaltenders playing.
4. Period Betting – Wagering on the result of a specific period (1st, 2nd, or 3rd). This is useful when teams start strong but pull top players later in the game.
5. Player Props – Betting on individual player performances, like goal scorers or point totals. These can be tricky in preseason since ice time is unpredictable.
6. Live Betting – Wagering on games while they are in progress. This is a good strategy since lineup changes may not be fully known before the game starts.

Preseason Betting Strategies

• Check Lineups – Research which players are playing. If one team’s lineup has mostly regular starters and the other is testing rookies, there’s an edge.
• Monitor Goaltenders – Starting goalies rarely play full games. A team with an NHL-caliber backup vs. an inexperienced minor-league goalie has a significant advantage.
• Coach Tendencies – Some coaches take the preseason more seriously than others. Research their past records in exhibition games.
• Rest and Travel – Teams playing back-to-back games or traveling a lot in the preseason might not put forth maximum effort.
• Bet the Underdogs – Favorites tend to be overpriced in the preseason, as sportsbooks set lines based on reputation rather than lineups.

Conclusion

Betting on the NHL preseason can be profitable if you do your research. Unlike the regular season, where talent and statistics drive results, preseason games are heavily influenced by lineup decisions, motivation levels, and coaching strategies. Those who pay close attention to these factors can find great betting opportunities.