How NHL Betting Odds Work
NHL betting is built around three main markets: moneylines, puck lines and totals. Bettors can also find player props, period markets and season-long futures.
Before placing a bet, compare prices across sportsbooks. Even a small difference in the moneyline can affect the potential return, especially over a full NHL season.
NHL Moneylines
The moneyline is the simplest way to bet on an NHL game: pick which team will win.
Favorites are shown with a minus price and underdogs with a plus price. For example:
- -150 favorite: Risk $150 to win $100.
- +130 underdog: Risk $100 to win $130.
Standard two-way NHL moneylines generally include overtime and the shootout, although sportsbooks also offer separate regulation-only markets.
The difference between the prices on each side includes the sportsbook's margin, commonly called vig or vigorish.
NHL Puck Lines
The puck line is hockey's version of the point spread. The standard line is usually 1.5 goals.
A favorite at -1.5 must win by at least two goals to cover. An underdog at +1.5 can win outright or lose by one goal and still cover.
Because the spread normally stays at 1.5 goals, sportsbooks adjust the price attached to each side instead.
NHL Totals
NHL totals are bets on how many combined goals the two teams will score.
If the total is 6.5:
- A 4-2 final has six goals and finishes under.
- A 5-3 final has eight goals and finishes over.
The sportsbook may also move the price on the over or under rather than changing the total itself.
NHL Props and Futures
Player props let you bet on individual outcomes such as goals, points, shots on goal or goalie saves. Sportsbooks also offer period markets, alternate puck lines and other game-specific options.
Futures cover outcomes that settle later in the season, including the Stanley Cup, conference winners, division winners and individual awards.
Choosing a Sportsbook for NHL Betting
NHL prices can vary from one sportsbook to another, making line shopping especially useful for moneylines, puck lines and props.
ATS provides individual sportsbook coverage including BetMGM as well as our broader U.S. sportsbook comparisons.