How To Bet on Games in the NHL

In this guide, we'll explain how NHL betting works, what to look out for (and how betting might differ somewhat from other sports), and how to make smarter bets throughout the season.

Out of the major sports here in the US, hockey is definitely one of the most fun sports to bet on, and the teams play almost every day from October through May so there are a lot of changes to bet. 

Unlike football or basketball, where teams score frequently, hockey has lower-scoring games, which makes betting a little different. We'll go over that too!

Best sportsbooks for NHL betting

Before we hit the ice (see what I did there), let's take a look at the best online betting sites to use when betting on hockey games:

Understanding NHL betting odds

Now, once you are signed up with an online bookie, you need to learn how the odds work. 

The three most common bets in hockey are moneyline, totals (over/under), and puckline. If you’ve bet on other sports before, you’ll find the two first ones familiar, but the puckline is a hockey-specific betting type.

Moneyline betting

This is the simplest bet—you’re picking which team will win. If you see odds like Toronto Maple Leafs -200 and Boston Bruins +175, this tells you two things:

• The Leafs are the favorite. You’d need to bet $200 to win $100.
• The Bruins are the underdog. A $100 bet would win $175 if they pull off the upset.

Moneyline bets are great if you just want to bet on a winner without worrying about the margin of victory.

Totals betting (over/under)

Instead of betting on a team, totals betting focuses on how many goals will be scored in a game.

Let’s say the total for a game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers is set at 5.5 goals.

• If the game ends 4-2 (six total goals), the over wins.
• If it ends 3-2 (five total goals), the under wins.

Most NHL games have a total set between 5 and 7 goals, but you’ll sometimes see higher or lower numbers depending on the teams.

What is the puckline?

Unlike football and basketball, where spreads vary, hockey uses a fixed spread of 1.5 goals, called the "puckline".

• If you bet on a favorite at -1.5, they need to win by two or more goals.
• If you bet on an underdog at +1.5, they can lose by one goal or win outright, and your bet wins.

Puckline bets offer higher payouts than moneyline bets, but they’re riskier. NHL games are often close, and a one-goal difference is common, so puckline betting requires careful consideration.

Other ways to bet on NHL games

Betting on long-term outcomes

If you’re more interested in season-long bets, here are a few options:

Stanley Cup winner: Betting on which team will win it all. Odds shift throughout the season based on performance.

Conference or divisional winners: Similar to Stanley Cup bets but focused on regular-season standings.

Hart Trophy (MVP) betting: If you think a player will dominate the season, this can be a profitable futures bet.

Calder Trophy (Rookie of the Year): A fun bet for following the league’s rising stars.

Futures bets have bigger payouts, but they also take longer to settle. If you make one, be prepared for season-long fluctuations in the odds.

Prop bets and game-specific wagers

If you want to bet on something beyond just wins and losses, prop bets let you focus on individual player stats and specific game events.

For example, in a game between the Montreal Canadiens and Calgary Flames, you might see props like:

• Carey Price over/under 25.5 saves
• Johnny Gaudreau over/under 1.5 points
• Elias Lindholm over/under 4.5 shots on goal

These bets are great if you follow player performance closely and want to find value outside of team-based bets.

How to bet smarter on NHL games

As I mentioned, the more you know about the teams and players, the better your bets will be. For example, some teams dominate on home ice, while others struggle on the road; others play better against specific styles of teams, and so on.

A little research can go a long way in helping you spot opportunities.

Suggested reading: How to do a fundamental analysis.

Pay attention to betting line movement

Odds don’t just move randomly (when I say "move" I mean that their numerical value changes). So for example, if you see a moneyline shift from -140 to -180, it could mean that a key player is out or that sharp bettors are heavily backing one side. As a reminder, the higher the - value is, the bigger more likely the bet is to hit.

Sometimes, sportsbooks move lines to attract bets on the other side, which can give you opportunities if you recognize why the shift is happening.

Manage your bankroll wisely

While it’s possible to hit a big win, it’s just as easy to wipe out your betting account with a few bad picks. The NHL season is long, so don’t feel pressured to bet on every game.

Set a budget for your bets, and don’t chase losses by betting bigger to make up for them. Winning consistently is about long-term strategy, not quick wins.

Avoid emotional betting

It’s easy to bet on your favorite team, but that doesn’t always mean it’s a smart bet. 

Try to stay impartial. You might convince yourself that your team is due for a win or ignore warning signs like injuries, poor matchups, or recent struggles. If you find yourself making a bet because you want your team to win rather than because the odds make sense, it’s might be a good time to pause, take a step back, and re-think your bet. 

The best bettors make decisions based on data, trends, and value—not personal attachments.  

The same logic applies when you’re on a losing streak. It’s tempting to chase losses by doubling down or placing larger bets to make up for past mistakes, but this often leads to even bigger losses. 

Every bet should be made with a clear mind and a set strategy, not out of frustration or desperation. If you feel like you’re betting emotionally, take a break, re-evaluate, and focus on making smart, calculated wagers instead of reacting impulsively.

Track your bets to improve over time

If you’re serious about making money betting on hockey, track your bets. 

Write down the following: 1) how much you bet, 2) which teams were involved, 3) whether you won or lost.

This will help you spot patterns in your betting and adjust your strategy over time.

Final thoughts

Betting on the NHL can be both fun and profitable if you take the time to understand the odds, research your bets, and manage your bankroll responsibly.

Start small, stay disciplined, and look for value rather than just betting on your favorite team. The more you follow the league, the better you’ll get at spotting profitable bets.

Good luck, and let us know how your NHL bets go this season!