If you want to learn how to bet on NHL games, it all begins with understanding the wagers available to you.
For example, how is the moneyline different from the puck line, and what are the props and futures you can wager on?
We will answer all those questions here in what we hope will be your ultimate NHL betting guide.
NHL Betting Types at a Glance
| Bet Type | What It Means | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Pick the team that wins the game outright. | Beginner bettors seeking simple wagers. |
| Puck Line | Hockey’s spread, usually -1.5 / +1.5 regardless of matchup. | Finding value in close or defensive games. |
| Totals (Over/Under) | Predicts total combined goals scored between both teams. | Stat-driven bettors analyzing pace and goaltending. |
| Props | Player or team outcomes such as goals, assists, or margin. | Matchup bettors or those following specific players. |
| Futures | Season-long results including MVP, division winners, or Cup. | Long-term value seekers. |
Understanding the Puck Line: NHL’s Unique Point Spread
In other sports, the spread will vary from game to game, but in NHL puck lime betting, the spread is usually set at -1.5 and +1.5.
If you look at hockey scores, you’d likely be surprised at how often games are decided by a single goal, with overtime often the difference.
A team like the Boston Bruins have a solid defensive style that helps them win a lot, making them a great moneyline pick, but not so good in the spread.
Depending on the odds, there may be more value in playing their opponent +1.5 than taking the Bruins on the moneyline.
NHL Over/Under Betting Strategies
When looking at NHL over under betting, there are several things to consider, such as goaltending, power play efficiency, and pace of play.
When you see a pair of elite goaltenders going head-to-head, the natural feeling is to play the under, but other factors will come into play, meaning that the over may end up being a true value bet.
Hockey totals betting can be mastered by looking at historical scoring trends and implied goals.
Live Betting NHL Games: How to Profit In-Play
Live betting is always fun, especially in NHL, as the momentum shifts within such a fast-paced game can lead to in-play NHL odds that offer great value.
For example, a referee that is calling a lot of penalties might make the over bet more appealing, while a goalie getting pulled might steady the ship and keep the total down.
NHL Betting Types at a Glance
| Situation | Why It Matters | Smart Bet |
|---|---|---|
| High Penalty Count | Power plays boost scoring chances significantly. | Live Over |
| Backup Goalie Enters | Momentum and defensive structure may shift instantly. | Over or Opponent ML |
| Favorite Team Trails Early | Live odds swing, creating discounted moneyline value. | Live ML or +1.5 |
| Slow 1st Period | Books overadjust totals downward. | Live Over (reduced number) |
NHL Prop Bets: Player and Team Specials
There are plenty of NHL prop bets on every game, including player props and winning margin.
The NHL player props are particularly popular, especially with players like Conor McDavid, who always seem to register points.
That said, if the Oilers are coming to the end of a long road trip, it’s natural that fatigue might have an impact on how players play.
Bankroll Management for NHL Bettors
With so many games over the course of the season, NHL bankroll management is key.
If you aren’t careful, your season could be over before the NHL ends.
So consider playing 1-2% of your bankroll on each wager and only play the games where there is value and your confidence level is high.
For a deeper breakdown on how to size your bets responsibly, check out our full guide on unit size and bankroll money management.
NHL Futures and Season-Long Betting Explained
NHL futures odds encompass a lot of different things, such as NHL Conferences winners, MVP, team points, and, of course, Stanley Cup Champions.
Betting early will guarantee the best odds, but you have to remember that hockey is a physical game, and injuries can have a major impact on the sportsbook odds, while also putting your picks at risk.
Hedging 2 or 3 teams is an option, as is cashing out mid-season, albeit at lesser odds.
Analyzing Goalie Matchups for Smarter Bets
Other than QBs in football, goalies in the NHL may be the position that has the biggest impact on the odds and the final outcome.
When a starting goalie is rested in favor of a backup, the odds can shift dramatically.
As part of your NHL betting strategy, get in the habit of looking at NHL goalie matchup analysis to figure out which matchups could offer value in totals wagers.
How Travel and Schedule Fatigue Affect NHL Odds
NHL travel fatigue betting is something to consider, especially when you have an east coast team heading west for an extended run and vice versa.
You very often see teams fade late in games, which can lead to valuable over opportunities.
The same rules apply with back-to-back NHL games, with that second game often draining for teams.
NHL Betting Types at a Glance
| Scenario | Team Impact | Betting Angle |
|---|---|---|
| End of Long Road Trip | Reduced stamina, weak 3rd periods. | Opponent ML or Over (late scoring) |
| Back-to-Back Games | Fatigue + likely backup goalie. | Opponent Puck Line or Over |
| East → West Travel | Time zone disadvantage. | Home Team ML |
Avoiding Common NHL Betting Mistakes
Sharp bettors know how to look at historical data to fine value, but the casual player is often too quick to jump on modest winning or losing streaks, which is one of the big NHL betting mistakes.
With a season as long as the NHL, streaks are inevitable but rarely sustainable.
That extends to goalies and offensive players, too.
FAQ Suggestions
Here is a quick recap of the questions you should answer before betting on the NHL:
- How do I find value when betting NHL Over/Under totals?
- Which factors affect live betting odds during hockey games?
- How do goaltender matchups change pregame lines?
- What’s the safest betting strategy for new NHL bettors?
- How can I manage my bankroll across an 82-game NHL season?
- What’s the best way to hedge a Stanley Cup futures bet?
Final Thoughts
The NHL season is long, with plenty of games to wager on, so we hope this NHL betting guide will help you win more often than not.
With these tips and the great real time odds offered at MyBookie, you can hit the ice with confidence.
With these tips, you can bet smarter on hockey, while taking advantage of all the exclusive betting insights and bonuses on offer at MyBookie.
Place you bets now before the puck drops.
Bet Smarter on the NHL with MyBookie
Ready to make your NHL wagers count? Get the latest odds, player props, and Stanley Cup futures — all in one place.
Start Betting on NHLTrack your bankroll, follow the puck line, and stay sharp all season long with MyBookie Sportsbook.
MyBookie’s NHL Bankroll Management Guide | Bet Smarter, Stay Disciplined
Now that you understand how bankroll management impacts your hockey wagers, take your strategy to the next level with MyBookie’s full NHL betting resources.
Learn how to protect your profits during long road trips, apply the 2% rule across an 82-game season, and stay consistent with every NHL bet you place.
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Want to keep improving your betting strategy?
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Learn advanced betting tips, bankroll management strategies, and expert insights before placing your next wager.
About the Author
- D.S. Williamson
- Since 2008, D.S. Williamson has written about sports and sports handicapping. His philosophy is value-based, meaning stats and other handicapping factors are only worth something in comparison to wagering odds. He believes money management and making value-based wagers is the single more important factor that distinguishes successful sports bettors from non-successful sports bettors.
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