NHL First Period Stats Totals Betting
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NHL First Period Totals (O/U) Stats
Table Legend
- O/U:Over / Under record in the first period this season
- OU Margin:Average Over / Under margin in the 1P
- GS / G:Average goals scored per game in the 1P
- GC /G:Average goals conceded per game in the 1P
- Home:O/U record for home games in the 1P
- Away:O/U record for away games in the 1P
- Last 4:O/U record for the last 4 games in the 1P
- 2021:O/U record in the 1P for the 2021 season plus over %
NHL First Period Stats Betting
Betting on NHL first-period totals can feel like watching the 100-meter sprint at a track and field event.
Americans love sporting events of all kinds, but the best part of a football game, baseball game, or basketball game is usually the very end, especially when a game is close.
As a first-period totals bettor, we are dealing with only 20 minutes of game time, and then it’s done.
Every power play, every big save, and every goal has a significant impact on the outcome of our bet.
Whether sitting on an over or cheering for the under, NHL first-period totals betting will be a very entertaining 20 minutes of fast-paced action.
Best Sportsbooks for NHL First Period Stats Totals Betting
NHL first-period totals betting focuses on the combined number of goals scored during the opening 20 minutes of a game. Many bettors use first-period scoring trends, goaltending matchups, special teams efficiency, and team pace metrics to identify potential over and under opportunities before puck drop.
DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings offers first-period totals betting across a wide range of NHL regular-season and playoff games. Bettors can wager on opening-period goal totals while also exploring period props, game totals, and player markets.
The sportsbook provides detailed team and player statistics that can help evaluate first-period scoring tendencies. Same-game parlays also allow bettors to combine first-period totals with other hockey wagers.
Pros:
- Extensive first-period betting markets
- Strong hockey statistical resources
- Same-game parlay availability
- Broad NHL prop selection
Cons:
- Popular totals can move quickly
- Market availability varies by matchup
Easy navigation
Competitive odds
Many notable features on offer
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FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel features first-period totals betting on many NHL matchups throughout the season. Bettors can analyze scoring trends, recent form, and goalie performance when evaluating opening-period over-under wagers.
The platform offers a streamlined user experience and competitive hockey odds. First-period betting options are available alongside a broad menu of NHL props and futures.
Pros:
- Competitive first-period totals odds
- User-friendly mobile platform
- Strong NHL betting coverage
- Frequent sportsbook promotions
Cons:
- Some alternate totals vary by game
- Odds can fluctuate before puck drop
A trusted brand
Offers competitive odds
Available in multiple states
New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets Guaranteed – When You Bet $5 for 7 Days!CLAIM BONUS
BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGMÂ includes first-period totals betting as part of its comprehensive NHL wagering lineup. Bettors can target early-game scoring opportunities while also exploring full-game totals and specialty props.
The sportsbook provides broad hockey coverage throughout the regular season and Stanley Cup Playoffs. Period betting remains a popular category for hockey bettors seeking shorter-duration wagers.
Pros:
- Strong period betting coverage
- Broad NHL wagering menu
- Regular sportsbook promotions
- Extensive futures markets
Cons:
- Market availability varies by jurisdiction
- Some specialty props may be limited
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Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook provides NHL first-period totals betting across a large selection of games. Bettors can focus on opening-period scoring while also accessing live betting and traditional game markets.
The sportsbook offers comprehensive hockey coverage throughout the season. First-period totals are frequently available on both regular-season and postseason contests.
Pros:
- Reliable first-period betting markets
- Caesars Rewards integration
- Strong hockey coverage
- Multiple wagering options
Cons:
- Specialty markets vary by game
- Odds can move quickly before puck drop
bet365 Sportsbook
Bet365Â showcases one of the deepest NHL period betting menus available, including first-period totals and alternative goal lines. Bettors can access a wide range of over-under markets alongside live betting opportunities.
The sportsbook is particularly popular among hockey bettors who enjoy detailed wagering options and in-game betting flexibility. Period-specific markets are a major strength of the platform.
Pros:
- Extensive first-period betting options
- Strong live betting functionality
- Numerous alternate totals markets
- Deep NHL wagering coverage
Cons:
- Large menu may overwhelm some users
- Market availability varies by location
BetRivers Sportsbook
BetRivers offers first-period totals betting throughout the NHL season and playoffs. Bettors can review team scoring patterns and goalie trends when evaluating opening-period betting opportunities.
The platform provides a straightforward betting experience while maintaining strong hockey market coverage. First-period totals are available on many of the league’s biggest games.
Pros:
- Competitive first-period totals odds
- Easy-to-use sportsbook interface
- Strong NHL betting menu
- Multiple wagering options
Cons:
- Fewer alternate markets than some competitors
- Promotions vary by jurisdiction
Hard Rock Bet
Hard Rock Bet incorporates first-period totals betting into its growing NHL betting portfolio. Bettors can wager on opening-period goal totals while also exploring period props, player props, and futures markets.
The sportsbook offers a clean user experience and updates odds regularly leading up to puck drop. First-period betting provides an alternative to full-game totals for hockey bettors seeking quicker results.
Pros:
- Clean and intuitive platform
- Competitive first-period betting odds
- Strong NHL coverage
- Growing selection of betting markets
Cons:
- Available markets vary by location
- Fewer specialty options than larger operators
A trusted brand
Offers competitive odds
Available in multiple states
New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets Guaranteed – When You Bet $5 for 7 Days!CLAIM BONUS
How Does First-Period Totals Betting Work?
Like totals betting for an entire game, first-period O/U betting is about deciding whether the combined score in the first period will be above or below the number set by a sportsbook.
In the case of first-period totals, that number is usually 1.5 total goals.
Example First-Period Totals Bet
Colorado vs. Calgary – 1st Period Totals
- O/U +1.5 goals
- Over -142 | Under +124
Our example above shows that the Avalanche vs Flames first-period total is set at 1.5 goals.
1.5 means the over will be considered successful if the teams combine to score two or more goals in the first 20 minutes.
One goal or zero goals means the under was the winning side.
Importance Of The Moneyline
When it comes to first-period O/Us, a bettor can expect that the total will be set at 1.5 goals most of the time, but they need to be very aware of the moneyline associated with those 1.5 goals.
In the case of our Avalanche vs Flames game above, the moneyline is heavily juiced in favor of the over. (-142)
This tells us the under, set at +124 on the moneyline, is considered an underdog.
These moneyline odds are slightly different from your typical full game over/under, where both sides are more even, and often, either side can be found at -110 or close to it.
Why Bet First Period Over/Unders?
Now more than ever, we have the options available and the ability to consume only the sports that interest us the most.
Some bettors love playing over/under tickets on an entire NHL game.
Others prefer their over/under chase to be shorter and more dramatic right from the opening puck drop.
Another reason bettors enjoy analyzing first-period over/under lines for NHL games is that the more niche a market, the less time and effort a sportsbook can put into creating those lines.
Betting on the point spread for a prime-time NFL game is considered the sharpest and most difficult betting market to succeed in.
Betting on NHL first-period totals is definitely a more niche focus and might provide more opportunities to find an edge for those willing to put in some time and effort.
Another popular bet is wagering on the Highest Scoring Period.
2022-23 NHL Highest-Scoring Goal Teams
| Team | Total Goals | Goals / Game | Regular Season Standings |
| Edmonton Oilers | 325 | 4.0 | 6th |
| Boston Bruins | 301 | 3.7 | 1st |
| Buffalo Sabres | 293 | 3.6 | 20th |
| New Jersey Devils | 289 | 3.5 | 3rd |
| Seattle Kraken | 288 | 3.5 | 12th |
| Florida Panthers | 288 | 3.5 | 17th |
| Dallas Stars | 281 | 3.4 | 8th |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | 280 | 3.4 | 13th |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | 278 | 3.4 | 4th |
| Los Angeles Kings | 274 | 3.3 | 10th |
Our table above shows us the correlation between teams who score a lot and teams who win a lot in the NHL regular season.
Of last year’s top 10 scoring teams, eight finished in the top half of the league standings, and six finished inside the top 10.
As a first-period O/U bettor, you will notice their goals per game are all over three.
These ten teams are averaging over a goal per period, and you would expect them to be juiced on the over for first-period totals.
Studying these teams and trying to learn when, where, and why they are vulnerable to the occasional under would be a significant advantage against the sportsbooks.
NHL First Period Totals Standings Page
After each night of NHL game action, BestOdds.com will provide an updated standings page for all first-period totals for every team and every game played this year.
This standings page will be a crucial resource for anyone looking to make a first-period totals wager.
Quickly sort through individual team or league-wide trends.
A bettor can sort by underdogs, favorites, home, or away and find the information to help them with all their first-period over/under decisions.
NHL First Period Betting Strategies
As NHL bettors, we have access to all kinds of information that can help inform us and help us make better decisions.
Specifically, when it comes to betting on NHL first-period totals, a bettor needs to ensure they are looking at the correct information to help them make their best decisions.
Some NHL teams play equally as well on the road as they do at home.
Many teams will play a different style of game on the road compared to how they play when they are in their home building.
When analyzing a matchup and comparing statistics, make sure you look at how teams perform in the specific situation you will be betting on them.
The Florida Panthers averaged 3.5 goals per game last season, but that doesn’t mean they scored the exact same amount of goals for their 41 home games as they did for their 41 road games.
Dig in to find out how Tampa’s offense differs playing at home vs on the road, especially as the season plays out, and we start to have more games to use in our data sample.
Not every team has a huge difference in splits between goals at home or on the road. But some teams definitely do.
Don’t get caught using the wrong statistics when the right ones are available to us as well.
Shop Around
Betting on NHL first-period totals can be a very entertaining way to watch 20 minutes of fast-paced action.
Some bettors develop betting strategies to play throughout the season, with the goal of trying to beat the sportsbooks and finish with a positive profit.
| Matchup | Caesars | FanDuel | DraftKings |
| Tampa Bay vs. Columbus | O -150 | U +120 | O -138 | U +108 | O -150 | U +120 |
Our table above shows us why the single most significant advantage a bettor has against the sportsbooks is our ability to shop around and find the best NHL odds for the wager we want to make.
In the case of the Lightning vs Blue Jackets game, FanDuel has different odds compared to what Caesars and DraftKings are offering.
If a bettor wanted to play the over 1.5 goals, they would be in a much better position with FanDuel.
If they wanted to bet the underdog and go under 1.5 goals, then getting that at +120 with Caesars or DraftKings is the play.
Throughout an NHL season, the ability to shop around for your best odds can impact your overall profitability by upwards of 20 to 25%.
For many, the ability to shop around for their best odds is the difference between being profitable or not.
Are you looking for more stats? Check out the NBA Double Double and Triple Double stats for prop betting.
