[Mudcat]

The regular season kicks off (so to speak) with 15 games.

On behalf of my hoser brethren, let me just say, WOO HOO!!

Damn, it seems like a year and a half since I had a good old hockey game to wager on.

Not true actually. It's only been a little over a year since the World Cup was won by . . . now who won that again? . . . was it perhaps the same country that won the 2002 Olympic Gold Medal? . . . why I think it was.

CANADA

[jentude]

AMEN mudcat! Can't wait for hockey to start tonight!

[Mudcat]

There are some rule changes this year. A big thing will be the overtime shootout. It's important to note that the team winning a shootout will just be awarded one goal (even if they win the shootout 4-3).

Here is a set of hockey rules from Pinnacle which are typical in the industry. If anyone knows of anyone playing with significantly different rules out there, please let the forum know:



NHL Rules:
For "NHL Regulation Time" wagers, the game must go at least 55 minutes to have action. Goals scored in overtime or a shoot-out are not counted for spreads, totals or moneylines. If there is a tie at the end of the third period,"NHL Regulation Time" moneyline wagers push and are refunded.

For "NHL Complete Game" wagers, the game must play to completion. For grading purposes, all goals scored during regulation and overtime are counted, plus one goal for the winner of a shootout if it occurs.

For "Period" wagers, the full 20 minutes of the period must be played to have action.

Goals scored during overtime or a shootout are not counted for wagers on the 3rd period.

Wagers on games or periods lasting under the minimum time for action constitute "No action", and will be refunded.

[Mudcat]

People should also be aware that there are some changes within the game. Officials are going to attempt a crackdown on obstruction fouls. This will very probably lead to an increase in Penalties early in the season. That could/should lead to increased scoring.

As the season goes along, things should settle down as 1 of 2 things will probably happen.

1) Players will clue in and start playing within the new rules and not take so many penalties.

2) Officials will slowly revert to the old rules as they are beaten down by a barrage of whining from players/coaches/fans (that's what usually happens).

In any case, it's probably not a good idea to go into the season expecting scoring to be at the same level as the last several seasons. Between the automatic goal in OT and all the power plays, scoring should be up (and that is reflected in the totals being offered).

[Mudcat]

Did I mention that CANADA is both the reigning World Cup and Olympic hockey champion?

[why]

I know very little about hockey, I do enjoy watching , but I am in no position to bet. Please , let us know if you spot some potential winners. Thank you in advance

[jjgold]

We now will have action every night for a long time

I have lost every year so far but coming back for more

[Quarm]

couldnt agree more mudcat, with MLB gone soon there would be not much action without hockey...football is so boring, and no daily wagers.