What “Total (incl. overtime and penalties)” in Ice Hockey Sports Betting Means
In ice hockey betting, the Total (incl. overtime and penalties) market refers to the combined number of goals scored by both teams including:
- Regular time (3 periods)
- Overtime (OT)
- Penalty shootout, if applicable
If a game goes to overtime or penalties, the final winning goal still counts toward your total bet.
This makes it different from “Total (regular time only)”, where only the 60 minutes count.
Example 1 — NHL Game: Toronto Maple Leafs vs Boston Bruins
- Market: Total (incl. OT and penalties)
- Line: Over/Under 5.5 goals
Scenario A:
- Final score after regular time = 2–2 (4 total goals)
- In overtime, Toronto scores → Final score = 3–2 (5 total goals)
Total = 5 goals
- Over 5.5 loses
- Under 5.5 wins
Scenario B:
- Final score after regular time = 3–3 (6 total goals)
- No matter what happens in OT or penalties, total = 6+ goals
Over 5.5 wins, Under 5.5 loses
Scenario C (shootout):
- Game ends 2–2 after overtime
- Toronto wins in shootout → Final listed score might be 3–2
- 1 extra goal is usually added for the shootout winner
Total goals = 5
- Over 5.5 loses, Under 5.5 wins
Betting Tips for “Total (incl. overtime and penalties)”
1. Know the Teams’ Playing Styles
- High-scoring teams (like Edmonton Oilers, Colorado Avalanche) often push totals Over.
- Defensive teams (like New Jersey Devils or Dallas Stars) tend to stay Under.
2. Check Goalie Lineups
- A backup goalie starting increases the chance of an Over bet winning.
- A hot starting goalie or defensive matchup favors the Under.
3. Monitor Recent Form
- Teams on a scoring streak (e.g., averaging 4+ goals per game in last 5 matches) often push games over the total.
- Injuries to key forwards or penalty killers also affect totals.
4. Overtime-Friendly Matchups
- If two teams often go to OT, totals might be slightly higher when betting incl. overtime since you get more scoring time.
5. Consider Line Movement
- If bookmakers shift a line from 5.5 → 6, that suggests public money is on the Over.
- Smart bettors sometimes take the Under at better odds if the total rises too much.
Quick Summary
| Market Type | Includes OT & Penalties? | Example Score | Over/Under Applies To |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total (regular time only) | No | 2–2 (after 60 mins) | 4 goals |
| Total (incl. OT & penalties) | Yes | 3–2 after OT | 5 goals |
Example Betting Tip
Game: Colorado Avalanche vs Edmonton Oilers
Market: Over 6.5 (incl. OT & penalties)
- Both teams rank top 5 in goals per game.
- Each has power-play success rates above 25%.
- Weak defensive structure + strong attacks = high total probability.
Smart bet: Over 6.5 (incl. OT and penalties)
Would you like me to also explain the difference between “Total (regular time only)” and “Total (incl. OT and penalties)” side-by-side with more examples?