The National Hockey League is fast, physical and unpredictable — and that makes it one of the most exciting sports to bet on. With matches played almost every night from October to April, bettors have plenty of action to study and wager on. Understanding how NHL odds work, what each market means, and how to identify value can turn casual interest into a structured betting approach. This article explains the main hockey bet types, how lines move, and what factors matter most when placing wagers on NHL games.
Understanding NHL Moneyline Bets
The simplest way to bet on hockey is the moneyline — choosing which team wins the game. Every matchup lists one club as the favourite and the other as the underdog.
A typical board might show something like:
- Toronto Maple Leafs -200
- Montreal Canadiens +170
Here, Toronto are the favourite. A £200 bet on them would return £300 total (£100 profit). Montreal, priced at +170, would return £270 total (£170 profit) on a £100 stake.
Moneyline odds in the NHL generally range from around -180 to -250 for clear favourites and +150 to +220 for outsiders.
Unlike football, hockey games can’t end in a draw for betting purposes. If scores are tied after 60 minutes, teams play overtime, followed by a shootout if needed. Most moneyline bets include both overtime and shootouts, meaning the wager pays on whichever team officially wins.
Some sportsbooks also offer “Regulation Time” markets. These bets exclude overtime and shootouts, often shown as 3-way lines: Team A win, Team B win, or Draw after 60 minutes. Regulation-only bets pay slightly higher odds because of the extra risk — the game could go to overtime and you’d lose even if your team wins later.
For beginners, standard moneylines are the most straightforward, but understanding whether overtime counts is crucial before placing a wager.
Puck Line Betting Basics
The puck line is hockey’s version of a handicap or point spread. It almost always sits at ±1.5 goals.
If a favourite is -1.5, that team must win by at least two goals for the bet to cash. The underdog at +1.5 can lose by one goal and still cover.
Example:
- Colorado Avalanche -1.5 (+130)
- Chicago Blackhawks +1.5 (-150)
Here, Colorado must win by two or more for a £100 bet to return £230 total. Chicago bettors win as long as the Blackhawks either win outright or lose by a single goal.
Because the puck line gives the underdog a cushion, the odds flip compared to the moneyline. Favourites often trade between +120 and +150 on -1.5, while underdogs sit around -140 to -160 on +1.5.
This market suits bettors who expect a dominant performance or a tight defensive game. For example, backing a heavy favourite like Florida to win comfortably against a weak side offers a better return through the puck line than the shorter moneyline price. Conversely, in evenly matched fixtures, taking the underdog +1.5 can be a steady strategy since NHL games often end within one goal.
Over/Under Totals in Hockey
Totals betting focuses on the combined number of goals scored by both teams. Bookmakers set a line — usually 5.5 or 6.5 goals — and bettors choose whether the final tally will go over or under that figure.
For instance:
- Over 6.5 goals (-110)
- Under 6.5 goals (-110)
If the game finishes 5-2, the total is seven, and “Over” wins. If it ends 3-2, “Under” wins.
Several factors influence totals:
- Goaltending strength: Elite goalies such as Igor Shesterkin or Connor Hellebuyck can drive totals lower.
- Team style: Clubs like Edmonton or Toronto play attacking hockey, leading to more overs; defensive sides like the Islanders often trend under.
- Scheduling: Teams on back-to-back nights or travelling long distances tend to concede more, pushing totals upward.
During the 2024-25 NHL season, the league average sits around 6.2 goals per game, showing a slight lean toward overs compared to previous years. Still, totals remain one of the most balanced markets — small shifts in form, line combinations or goalie matchups can quickly change expectations.
Some bettors prefer team totals, where you wager on a specific club’s goals rather than the full game. For example, “Florida Over 3.5 goals” allows a focused view when one side dominates possession.
Period Betting and Live Wagering
NHL games have three 20-minute periods, and many sportsbooks allow wagers on each section individually. Period betting adds another layer of action, especially for fans who track momentum shifts closely.
A common market is the 1st Period Winner. Bettors choose which team leads after 20 minutes. Odds are typically shorter because the sample is smaller, but teams that start fast can offer value here. Another option is the 2nd Period Total Goals, popular among live bettors who watch how tempo changes after the first break.
Live wagering has grown rapidly in hockey. Because goals instantly affect probability, odds react within seconds. A team scoring early might see its moneyline price shorten by 15-25%, depending on context. Bettors who anticipate swings — such as backing the trailing team after an early goal — can find good opportunities.
The third period is the most unpredictable. Coaches often pull their goalie in the final two minutes for an extra attacker, leading to either equalising goals or empty-net finishes. Totals and puck lines can flip quickly here, making this period ideal for experienced in-play bettors who manage risk carefully.
NHL Player Props
Player prop markets focus on individual performances rather than team outcomes. They’re especially popular in hockey because star players’ roles and ice time are predictable.
Common prop types include:
- Anytime Goalscorer: backing a player to score at least once.
- Assists or Points (Over/Under): betting on total assists or combined goals + assists.
- Shots on Goal (SOG): predicting how many times a player hits the target.
Top forwards attract the most attention. For example, Auston Matthews often trades between 2.50 and 3.00 to score in a game, depending on opposition strength. Connor McDavid is usually around 1.80 to 2.20 to record at least one point.
When analysing props, context matters. Ice time on the top power-play unit, line-mates, and opponent goaltending all influence likelihood. A winger playing beside a top playmaker or facing a backup goalie carries extra value.
Another growing market is goalie props, such as saves totals. If a weaker team faces a high-shooting opponent, its goalie might face 35+ attempts, creating an opportunity on the “Over saves” line.
Props add fun variety to betting but require attention to lineup announcements — scratches or last-minute goalie changes can completely alter projections.
Choosing the Right Bookmakers
Not all bookmakers price NHL markets equally. For British bettors, the difference in margins and market depth between operators can strongly affect returns. On average, bookmaker margins for NHL moneylines sit around 4-6%, slightly higher than major football markets but still competitive.
The best betting platforms for hockey typically offer:
- Low juice on moneylines and totals — closer to even prices rather than heavy vig.
- Consistent early lines, allowing bettors to catch value before odds adjust.
- Comprehensive prop coverage, including shots, power-play points and goalie saves.
- Fast in-play updates and stable live markets during intermissions.
While some global brands provide broader coverage, UK-regulated sites ensure fair odds and player protection through the Gambling Commission licence. Checking a bookmaker’s hockey markets during mid-season (January or February) gives a clear sense of how competitively they price the NHL compared with others.
For serious punters, maintaining accounts with several regulated firms can help line-shop — a 0.05 difference in decimal odds might not sound huge, but across a season it can significantly improve value.
Putting It All Together
Successful NHL betting relies on combining knowledge with patience. The sport’s pace and randomness make it easy to chase results, but understanding how each market functions provides structure:
- Moneylines reward those who can read momentum and spot inflated favourite prices.
- Puck lines add depth for bettors confident about margins of victory.
- Totals demand awareness of goal trends, rest days and goaltending matchups.
- Period and live bets offer short-term opportunities for quick thinkers.
- Props create specific angles tied to player form and roles.
The NHL’s long season allows countless chances to apply strategy, test data, and refine instincts. For those who enjoy analytics and a touch of volatility, hockey betting offers one of the most engaging markets in sport — sharp, fast and always unpredictable.