Qualitative Handicapping Information

[mrmarket]

Hello,

I'm new to sports betting and I'm looking to improve my qualitative handicapping ability(specifically in regards to the NHL). I'm still learning but the guys at 2+2 suggested I come and post on these boards so here i am.

I play poker primarily so most of the quantitative stuff I can port over from there and this is the primary criterion that dictates how i bet my money (i.e. +EV hopefully!) but i feel that I can sharpen my skills if i hone the qualitative side as well.

So where do you guys go to brush up on your hockey? Are there certain websites, television shows, books/magazines, radio shows, podcasts that you consult? And If so how often and which do you rely on most?

Also if anyone has any guidelines for approaching NHL betting it would be appreciated. I'm not looking for picks just the thought process behind the decision to bet.

Thanks for the time

MM

[zandyman]

Flip a coin....

Handy websites: nhl.com; look at the top of this forum for a thread posting starting goaltender sources-- really useful

TV: Anything on NHL Channel if you have it; try to watch as many games as possible. Yahoo usually has a game online every night.

Publications: I like 'The Hockey News'; online papers from the different NHL cities are okay too.

Good luck!

[Bob Loblaw]

covers.com matchups and trends

[mrmarket]

Flip a coin....

Handy websites: nhl.com; look at the top of this forum for a thread posting starting goaltender sources-- really useful

TV: Anything on NHL Channel if you have it; try to watch as many games as possible. Yahoo usually has a game online every night.

Publications: I like 'The Hockey News'; online papers from the different NHL cities are okay too.

Good luck!

Thanks for the links the information looks really useful and I'll have to peruse it soon. Is the goaltender the primary factor when determining a line?

[zandyman]

Primary factory? I would say no. Not to the degree of a pitcher in baseball. I've heard some people on here say they don't even factor in the goaltender at all, ie, they'll play a pick they're confident in no matter who's in goal. I disagree with that personally, and don't even cap games until I'm sure of who's in. Take yesterday's Det/MIN game for example. With Backstrom assumed in the line favored MIN (-115 or so; can't quite remember); when backup Harding was suspected, the line basically flip-fopped to Det.