Updated on: October 7th, 2024
If you would like to find the latest NHL computer predictions—the supposed gold standard of NHL picks—make sure to read below, where we dissect the increasingly popular method of making betting selections. We look at what they are, why bettors like to use them, and a few of the drawbacks, too.
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What are NHL Hockey Computer Picks?
Quite simply stated, NHL hockey computer picks are betting selections made by a computer algorithm. Depending on how the system was created, the algorithm looks at a set of specific factors to determine its selection. Factors the algorithm pays attention to include a wide range of stats (for example, goals scored against goals allowed), the location of the game, line-ups, and overall betting trends.
Bettors tend to enjoy using computer picks to inform their wagers for a number of reasons, some of which include the following:
- Computer picks aren’t affected by human imperfection (other than the input of data, that is). They don’t make calculation errors and aren’t affected by personal biases. If it appears that Alexander Ovechkin is going to lead the league in scoring again, the league won’t take the idea that it doesn’t like the Washington Capitals into consideration when making the decision.
- NHL computer picks against the spread (or rather puck line) are notoriously difficult to make. Sometimes, it seems as if, by random, a particular game was high-scoring for no reason. However, this is not always true. For example, take the 2018–19 Chicago Blackhawks. The team’s offence was pretty good at scoring goals, but they seemingly had a rotating goaltender, meaning that they were equally good at allowing goals past them. Computer picks may help in making better spread and total bets in such situations.
Now, it is important to remember that while NHL computer picks may, on average, be more accurate than most professional handicappers, they are by no means always correct. There is no means for computers to measure human unpredictability. They will always tell you who should win on paper, but we all know that that doesn’t always happen.
Get Free NHL Computer Predictions Here
If you are looking to get some good but free NHL computer picks, look no further than below. We update selections before every matchup. In addition, we’ve got some data on consensus picks, too.