When it comes time to wager on the NHL, you might be a little confused by the puck line, which is essentially the same as the spread.
Where the confusion might arise is in figuring out why the lines are the same for every game.
We are here to answer your NHL puck line questions with a definitive guide that should help you cash more winning tickets, so let’s get to it.
What Is the NHL Puck Line?
Let’s get things rolling by talking about how the NHL puck line works, as it really is quite simple.
Games are always set at -1.5 for the favorite and +1.5 for the underdog, which is quite unique given that spreads are rarely the same across games in other sports.
Hockey tends to be lower scoring and has a smaller margin of victory, so it makes sense that the NHL lines would work this way.
NHL Puck Line Basics: -1.5 vs +1.5 Explained
| Bet Type | Line | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Favorite | -1.5 | Team must win by 2 goals or more |
| Underdog | +1.5 | Team can lose by 1 goal and still cover |
| Overtime | N/A | Puck line favorites cannot cover in OT or shootout |
Table: How the standard -1.5 / +1.5 puck line works in NHL betting.
↑ TopHow Does Puck Line Betting Work in 2025?
We are going to try and break this down by answering the most commonly asked questions about the NHL puck line:
- Why the Puck Line Is Always -1.5 / +1.5
For the most part, NHL games tend to be lower in scoring, with 5–7 goals generally where the total falls.
With that in mind, the majority of games are decided by 1 or 2 goals, hence the standard puck line across the board. - How Scoring, Empty Nets & Goalie Pulls Affect the Bet
One thing to consider is the impact of NHL empty net trends.
When a team is down by a goal heading into the final minute or so of a game, they will pull the goalie to add an extra attacker to the ice.
A 1-goal game, and a win or loss for you, can quickly change if a team scores into the empty net. - When OT and Shootouts Matter (and When They Don’t)
If you have bet the favorite to cover the puck line and the game goes to OT or a shootout, you cannot win.
If you are playing the underdog, you are an automatic winner, as the margin of victory can only be 1 goal in these extra time situations.
When Should You Bet NHL Puck Line Favorites?
Best Situations for Betting -1.5
Like we mentioned earlier, games in the NHL tend to be close, but when should you play the puck line favorites?
There are a few things to consider here, such as the goalie matchups, teams playing at home who have plenty of scoring options on all 4 lines.
When the favorite is facing a team coming to the end of a long road trip or playing their second game in as many nights.
Best Situations for Betting -1.5
These matchup factors strengthen the puck line favorite.
- Clear advantage in net
- Backup vs starter matchup
- Deep scoring lines
- High-energy home splits
- Back-to-back games
- End of long road trip
- Strong offensive form
- Consistent scoring depth
When Should You Take +1.5 with Underdogs?
Situations Where the +1.5 Is the Best Bet
Again, there are several things to look at when playing the underdog in the puck line.
It all starts with teams who have an elite goalie between the pipes.
Strong defensive teams also keep games tight, while divisional matchups are often close, as are games where the total is set at 5½.
There are no guarantees, but if you get 2 or 3 in a single matchup, then NHL underdog betting becomes much more appealing.
Top Situations for +1.5 Underdogs
These factors make the +1.5 puck line especially valuable.
- High save-percentage starter
- Facing average offense
- Low goals allowed
- Disciplined zone play
- Familiar rivals
- Tighter scoring margins
- Lower scoring games
- Higher value on +1.5
How Overtime and Shootouts Impact Puck Line Bets
Why OT Helps Underdogs and Hurts Favorites
If a game ends in a tie and goes to OT, there is no way for a favorite to cover the puck line, while underdogs automatically cover given that next goal wins.
Shootouts Create Artificial One-Goal Wins
Shootouts are the same as NHL overtime betting in that the favorite always loses, and the underdog always covers.
If the score remains tied after regulation time and OT, we go to a shootout.
The team that wins it is awarded a 1-goal win.
| Game Scenario | Favorite Result | Underdog Result |
|---|---|---|
| Goes to Overtime | Cannot win puck line | Automatically covers +1.5 |
| Ends in Shootout | Wins the game but fails puck line | Always covers +1.5 |
| Regulation Win by 1 Goal | Fails to cover -1.5 | Covers +1.5 |
Table: Why OT and shootouts naturally benefit puck line underdogs.
↑ TopPuck Line Line-Movement Traps to Avoid
- Inflated Favorites
A team on a good run of form might be installed as a favorite, but there are other factors besides form that come into play. - Reverse Line Movement on Dogs
The betting public and sharp bettors can move a line, but which one is causing the movement?
If it’s sharp betting, pay attention. - Late Goalie News
Another common one in puck line traps are late goalie changes.
If the starter is out, it can have an impact on line movement in the NHL.
Puck Line Traps to Watch For
Avoid these common mistakes when betting NHL spreads.
- Public hype only
- No matchup advantage
- Sharps backing dogs
- Line moves against public
- Starter scratches
- Backup unexpectedly starts
Real NHL Puck Line Examples (2023–2024 Trends to Apply in 2025)
Best Puck Line Teams
Last season, the Oilers, Avalanche and Hurricanes were the best teams to wager on.
But are they the best puck line teams this season?
As of now, it is the Kraken. Blackhawks who are the best bets.
Best +1.5 Teams
The Blackhawks and Sharks are the best underdog bets this season, with the Bruins rounding out the top 3.
Top NHL Puck Line Teams from 2023–2024 Trends
| Team | % ATS (Puck Line) | Why They Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle Kraken | Strongest 2024 trend | Elite defense + close-game profile |
| Chicago Blackhawks | Top underdog +1.5 team | Low-scoring games, elite goalie spots |
| San Jose Sharks | Consistent +1.5 covers | High shot volume, but close losses |
| Boston Bruins | Reliable +1.5 team | Structured defensive system |
Table: Key puck line performers based on recent NHL seasons.
↑ TopBankroll Tips for NHL Puck Line Bettors
There are a lot of games in hockey, so NHL bankroll management is a must.
Keep all your wagers to 2% of your bankroll so that you can handle the inevitable losing streaks.
While the puck line is always the same, the odds for either option are different.
With that in mind, maximize value by avoiding heavy juice on +1.5 wagers.
There is definitely a high level of volatility with the puck line wager.
So always adopt a sharp betting strategy by looking at closing line value to identify the best bets each night.
↑ TopFinal Thoughts — How to Bet NHL Puck Lines Like a Sharp
Before you wager, be sure to check all the tips in this strategic NHL puck line betting guide.
Goalie changes, scoring depth, line movement, and other factors all need to be considered.
Once you are ready, bet smarter on NHL spreads with MyBookie Sportsbook.
Bet NHL Puck Lines at MyBookie
Ready to wager smarter?
Use this guide, check goalie updates, and compare puck line odds across all NHL matchups.
View Today’s NHL OddsBet with an edge this season at MyBookie Sportsbook.
↑ Top
MyBookie’s NHL Betting Strategy Guide | Bet Smart, Bet Confident
Now that you’ve explored how the puck line works, level up your hockey strategy with MyBookie’s essential betting guides.
Learn how to bet live NHL action, manage your bankroll, use analytics, and spot value before the market adjusts.
- How to Bet Live NHL Games
- NHL Betting 101: How to Bet Hockey Games
- Stanley Cup Wagering 101
- Zig-Zag Playoff Theory for NHL Bettors
- Bankroll Management Guide for Sports Bettors
- How AI Predictive Models Are Changing Sports Betting
- Early vs Late Betting: When to Get the Best NHL Line
- Guide to Hedging Wagers
Ready to bet? Lock in your pick now.
Bet NHL Lines at MyBookie
Live odds, updated spreads, and game lines
About the Author
- Henry Watkins
- Henry is originally from Scotland but now resides in Metro Atlanta with his chef wife Penny. As well as working as a Sports freelance writer, he also writes horror fiction. Watson is the author of Karaoke Night, Crueller, and Off The Grid.
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