NHL Eastern Conference Final Betting Analysis

We have already looked at the Western Conference final so this sports betting guide for Ice hockey will focus on the equally enthralling Eastern conference final between the Montreal Canadiens and the Philadelphia Flyers. Using the Ice Hockey betting odds from bwin.com we can look to see if any opportunities are available for a quick profit from the world’s fastest sport.

In game three Montreal managed to win 5-1 putting an end to two-match run from Philadelphia who looked to be taking a strangle-hold on the series. A win in game four would see the first to 4 match series tied at 2-2.

Outright Match Betting

Philadelphia Flyers 39/20 Draw 31/10 Montreal Canadiens 1/1

Now that Montreal has a bit of momentum they are now playing at home in Game 4 and are even money to take the match. After a 5-1 win in game three, I think they have a good chance. Flyers captain Mike Richards was very vocal over his team’s poor performance and demanded better, and quickly. Montreal used an aggressive strategy checking hard and finishing hits strongly which rattled the Flyers. Game 4 could be explosive. I would back Montreal to dish out more of the same but for the result to be a little closer with the Flyers knowing what to expect.

First Penalty Betting

You can bet on when the first two or four minute penalty will take place, note that a fight is a five minute major and does not count for this bet.

00.01 – 04.59 Minutes – 17/20
05.00 – 60.00 Minutes – 17/20
No such 2 minute or 4 minute penalty – 80/1

I like the before 5.00 minutes 17/20 for this bet. Game 3 was aggressive and Philadelphia will want to fight fire with fire. Game 4 is always my favourite game of any series when it is 2-1. You are either tied at 2-2 or two matches up with three to play at 3-1. This game means a lot to both teams. Expect plenty of penalties and plenty of strong hits in this contest.

First Goalscorer Betting

The favourite in bwin.coms scoring market is Michael Cammalleri of Montreal at 8/1. Mike Richards at 10/1 is the favourite for Philadelphia. You might be interested to consider betting on experienced defenseman Chris Pronger at 20/1 whose powerful shot from the point can lead to goals and if there are a lot of powerplays he is the “go to” guy from the defensive line. You can bet on Philadelphia having the first powerplay at 9/10. If Montreal come out very aggressively and a little over-exuberant the referees will be keen to keep things relatively calm and within the rules.

Game Four Outright Result

Montreal and their game three strategy worked so well that I fancy them to win this match in regular time at 1/1. It may be very close and the two way betting, which means you win providing at the end of the match whether after overtime or penalty shots Montreal win the odds for that outcome is 7/10 with Philadelphia at 6/5. I think Montreal will win this match and tie things up at 2-2. With the Western conference match standing at Chicago leading 3-0 it is the Eastern conference which holds all the excitement and Montreal will really believe they can turn what was initially a 2-0 deficit was around.

Good luck with your Ice Hockey betting on this intriguing Ice Hockey match. Face off is at 8.05pm GMT so get your bets on early at bwin.com

By Malcolm Clarke