How to Bet on NHL Hockey: A Beginner’s Guide

Core NHL Bet Types

The NHL betting market revolves around three primary wagers, all based on a team’s odds to win.

Moneyline (Outright Winner)

This is the most popular and simplest bet: you are wagering on which team will win the game, including overtime and the shootout.

Puck Line (Point Spread)

The Puck Line is hockey’s version of a point spread, which is almost always set at $\pm 1.5$ goals.

Favorite (−1.5): The favorite must win by two or more goals to “cover” the Puck Line.

Underdog (+1.5): The underdog wins if they win the game outright or lose by only one goal.

Strategy Tip: Betting the Puck Line on a favorite at $-1.5$ often yields better odds (higher payout) than their Moneyline, but you risk an empty-net goal late in the game causing you to lose a bet you thought you had won.

Totals (Over/Under)

You bet on whether the combined goals scored by both teams will be Over or Under a line set by the sportsbook (usually between $5.5$ and $6.5$ goals).

• If the line is $6.5$, betting the Over wins if the final score is $4-3$ (7 total goals) or higher.
• Betting the Under wins if the final score is $3-2$ (5 total goals) or lower.

Betting on the NHL Schedule and Situation

NHL betting success often comes from analyzing factors outside the box score, particularly goaltender performance and the grueling schedule.

Goalie Impact and Verification

The starting goaltender has a massive influence on the outcome.

• The Goalie Gap: The difference between a team’s starting goalie and their average backup can amount to a difference of roughly $0.296$ goals allowed per game.
• Betting Strategy: Always confirm the starting goalie before placing your wager. If an elite starter is resting and the backup is in net, the odds may shift significantly. Savvy bettors who predict a goalie announcement can get better odds before the line moves.

Rest and Travel Factors

NHL teams play over 80 games, and fatigue is a real factor, especially against the betting line.

• Back-to-Back Games: Teams playing the second night of a back-to-back often underperform due to fatigue, especially if they are traveling.
• Rest Advantage: Look for “rest advantages.” If Team A had a day off while Team B played the previous night, Team A may have a hidden edge that hasn’t been fully priced into the odds. Western Conference teams facing grueling cross-continent travel to play Eastern opponents are often worth fading.

Other Key Situational Factors

• Special Teams: Analyze the teams’ Power Play (PP%) and Penalty Kill (PK%) efficiency. Penalties are common, and special teams often decide close NHL games.
• Home-Ice Advantage: Teams generally perform better at home, benefiting from last-change matchups and crowd support. Factor in whether the home team is finishing a long homestand or if the visitors are starting a long road trip.

Advanced Wagers and Terminology

Beginner Strategies and Responsible Gambling

1. Manage Your Bankroll: Set a strict budget and wager a small, consistent amount (a “unit,” typically $1\%–3\%$ of your bankroll) on every bet.
2. Shop Lines: Always check multiple licensed sportsbooks before placing a wager. Even a small difference in odds (e.g., getting $-140$ instead of $-150$) improves your long-term return on investment (ROI).
3. Start Simple: Begin with Moneylines and Totals to understand the odds and market dynamics before moving to high-risk Parlays or complex Props.
4. Bet Value: Look for situations where your research suggests the team’s true chance of winning is higher than the probability implied by the bookmaker’s odds.

Responsible Gambling Resources

Betting should be treated as entertainment. Set time and money limits and never chase losses.

• U.S. National Helpline: Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or visit ncpgambling.org.
• Canada: The National Problem Gambling Helpline is 1-888-230-3505.
• General Support: Organizations like Gamblers Anonymous (gamblersanonymous.org) offer free support.