On the weekend before the Olympic break, NHL league officials sent a memo to all refs to enforce strictly the holding and interference penalties as described in the rule book. It is for this reason that scoring is up and the "overs" have dominated the "unders" since that edict. Until the sportbooks makes the proper adjustment, you may want to consider this factor when doing your handicapping.Since the Sunday before the Olympic break and going into tonight's contests, the "over" has been on a 19-4-2 run.
The NHL realizes that the Olympics were a huge television ratings success and they want to capitalize on the chance to grab new fans. Higher scoring games with more action may be the formula to maintain the "new" fans' interest.It gives the NHL the opportunity to showcase their stars.
Since the books pay very little attention to the NHL, it is a great sport to handicap.There are some instances where the 'cappers know more than the books and have a rare advantage.However, the books will make adjustments and solid theories become 50/50 propositions.It is for this reason that the current bias to the "over" is only good until the proper changes are made to the betting line.However, if you follow the game and handicap it properly, you can wait until the next "advantage" pops up.It is a matter of adjusting your techniques and strategies to stay one step ahead of the line maker.
charliej
