How to Bet on the NHL – NHL Betting Guide

Learn how to bet on the NHL with moneylines, totals, and puck lines. You’ll also learn about parlays and NHL prop bets. NHL puck line betting is like baseball run line betting. Carefully check each line to find an edge. Review current odds to win the Stanley Cup, Eastern Conference, and Western Conference below. We’ve also got each NHL team’s season win totals.


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Table of Contents

  1. Current Matchup Odds
  2. Straight Bets
  3. Exotic Bets
  4. NHL Futures
  5. NHL Standings

Current Matchups

Markets
Next 8 NHL Game Odds
+ Displays more odds

Game
BetMGM Sports Betting BetMGM
Bet
BetRivers Sports Betting BetRivers
Bet
Wild
Jets
6:08pm EDT
+125-155+128-155
Flames
Oilers
8:08pm EDT
+220-275+200-250
Kraken
Stars
8:08pm EDT
+165-200+160-200
Ducks
Golden Knights
10:08pm EDT
+230-300+220-278

How to Bet on the NHL

This tutorial has two sections. The first contains common NHL straight bets. These include the moneyline, over-under total, and puck line bets. Winning sports bettors should stick to these bets. They’re the most profitable in the long haul.

The second section discusses exotic NHL bets. These include the parlay, if bet win-only, parlay card, and props. Careful, all of these bets come with a higher house edge. Smart handicappers only place these wagers when they think they have an advantage.

NHL Straight Bets

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How an NHL Moneyline Bet Works

A moneyline bet is placed on a team or side to win the game outright. Some sportsbooks also offer moneylines for the 1st period, 2nd period, and occasionally the 3rd period.

Favorite
The favorite will have a minus number. A minus number indicates how much you risk to win $100.

Underdog
The underdog will have a plus number. A plus number indicates how much you win for risking $100.

Placing a Moneyline Bet
Select “Moneyline” from your sportsbook’s betting menu. It may also be abbreviated as “ML”. Next, select a game segment: game, 1st period, 2nd period, or 3rd period. Finally, select either the favorite or the underdog.

Sportsbooks include the juice in each moneyline. They usually add 10 cents commission to each side. A -220 true odds favorite would get a -230 line, while a +150 true odds underdog would get a +140 line.

NHL Moneyline Example

Moneyline
Game
Line & Odds
Tampa Bay Lightning
Carolina Hurricanes
2/11/22 8:05pm EDT
-150
+180
  1. The Carolina Hurricanes are the underdog. Risk $100 to win $180.
  2. The Tampa Bay Lightning are the favorite. Risk $150 to win $100.

Example Result: Tampa bay wins.
All favorite Tampa Bay Lightning bettors win. All underdog Carolina Hurricanes bettors lose.

Note: If the game ties, all moneyline bets push. All bets will be refunded.

More Moneyline Info

Our moneyline video explains this bet completely. The entire moneyline tutorial also includes useful tips and strategies. Use the reference section to convert Moneyline odds to equivalent Fractional or Decimal values. Note required break even percentages for moneyline odds.

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How an NHL Total Bet Works

A total bet line combines the estimated final scores of each team including overtime. Sportsbooks may also offer total lines for each period. You bet on whether the actual result will be Over or Under the sportsbook’s line.

Placing an Over-Under Total Bet
Select “Over-Under Total” from your sportsbook’s betting menu. Next, select a game segment: game, 1st period, 2nd period, or 3rd period. Finally, select either the over or the under.

Pick the Over or the Under

Taking the Over
Over will be abbreviated as “o”. A bet on the Over wins if the final total is greater than the sportsbook’s line. For example, consider a 4.5 goal total line. If the actual game total is 5, over bettors win.

Taking the Under
Under will be abbreviated as “u”. A bet on the Under wins if the final total is les than the sportsbook’s line. Consider again a 4.5 goal total line. If the actual game total is 4, under bettors win.

NHL Total Example

Total
Game
Line & Odds
Tampa Bay Lightning
Carolina Hurricanes
2/11/22 8:05pm EDT
5 o -141
5 u +120
  1. The Over-Under Total line is 5.
  2. Over bettors believe the final total will be greater than 5. They risk $141 to win $100.
  3. Under bettors believe the final total will be less than 5. They risk $100 to win $120.

Example Result: Final goal total is 6.
The 6 goal final total is over the sportsbook’s 5 goal line. That means all over bettors win.

If the final goal total was 4 or fewer, all under bettors would win.

Note: Tie bets are possible when the total is a whole number like 3, 4, 5, or 6. Your bet will be returned if the final goal total equals the line. This is also called a push. All bets will be refunded.

More Over-Under Total Info

Our total betting video makes the over under bet easy to understand. The reference section explains how to calculate the value for the opposite side of the line when sportsbooks charge more than -110 juice. Note, most sportsbooks provide juice for both sides of a line at their websites. Calculating the opposite side is only necessary when viewing condensed third party odds tables.

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How an NHL Puck Line Bet Works

The puck line is similar to a football or basketball point spread bet. A puck line bet is made on the expected score difference. The puck line attempts to equalize two mismatched competitors. Favorite teams give goals to the underdog. The underdog takes goals from the favorite.

Sportsbooks commonly offer puck lines for the game and 1st period. Major events like the NHL playoffs and Stanley Cup playoffs may get puck lines for the 2nd period and 3rd period. Period puck lines are typically a ½ goal.

Placing a Puck Line Bet
Select “Puck Line” from your sportsbook’s betting menu. Next, select a game segment: game or 1st period. Finally, select either the favorite or the underdog.

Pick the Favorite or the Underdog

Taking the Underdog
Underdogs have a plus sign next to their puck line. An underdog bet wins if the final score difference is less than the puck line. A +1.5 goal underdog must win outright, tie, or not lose by more than 1 goal.

Taking the Favorite
Favorites have a minus sign next to their puck line. A bet on the favorite wins if the final score difference is greater than the spread. A -2.5 goal favorite must win by 3 or more goals for your bet to win.

NHL Puck Line Example

Puck Line
Game
Line & Odds
Tampa Bay Lightning
Carolina Hurricanes
2/11/22 8:05pm EDT
-1.5 +225
+1.5 -278
  1. The Tampa Bay Lightning are the -1.5 goal favorite.
  2. Favorite bettors risk $100 to win $225 on Tampa Bay.
  3. The Carolina Hurricanes are the +1.5 goal underdog.
  4. Underdog bettors risk $278 to win $100 on Carolina.

Example Result: Tampa Bay wins 4-2.
The final score difference is 2 goals. 2 goals is greater than the 1.5 goal line. That means all favorite bettors win.

If the Carolina Hurricanes lost by 1 goal, tied, or won outright, all underdog bettors would win.

Note: NHL puck lines always contain ½ goals. The most common puck line is 1.5. 0.5 and 2.5 puck lines are less common.

NHL Odds Example

NHL Odds and Outcomes Explained

Game
BetMGM Sports Betting BetMGM
Bet
Wild
Jets
6:08pm EDT
+1.5 -190-1.5 +155
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Underdog Minnesota Wild - Minnesota Wild bettors risk $100 to win $52.63 at -190 odds.

A +1.5 Minnesota Wild underdog bet wins if they lose by 1, tie, or win outright. Your bet loses if they lose by 2 or more.

Favorite Winnipeg Jets - Winnipeg Jets bettors risk $100 to win $155 at +155 odds.

A -1.5 Winnipeg Jets favorite bet wins if they win by 2 or more. Your bet loses if they win by 1, tie, or lose outright.

More Puck Line Info

Watch our spread betting video and read our complete spread tutorial. You’ll also find betting strategies, spread to moneyline conversions, and other insights.

How to Bet on NHL Hockey

Time needed: 4 minutes

How to Bet on NHL Hockey

  1. Open a new sports betting account for this NHL hockey season.

    Review our list of sports betting sites. Open a new account and deposit money before your game begins. Don’t forget to add your bonus code.

  2. Tap to the sportsbook’s NHL hockey page, then look for game you want to bet on.

    Navigate to the sportsbook’s NHL hockey page. Next, look for live or upcoming matchups. You’ll also see futures odds, season win total odds, and prop bets.

  3. Handicap your game, then review the sportsbook’s betting lines and odds.

    Do your own handicapping and see whether it matches the sportsbook’s betting lines and odds. Consider fading the public by tracking current public betting trends. Identify the best wager for your prediction, reviewing alternate betting lines if necessary.

  4. Place a bet before the game begins.

    Place a puck line, total, moneyline, or prop bet on the side you think will win before the game begins.

  5. The sportsbook will grade your wager after the game.

    Your sportsbook will grade the wager after the game is over, including any overtime. Any winnings will be deposited to your account.

Exotic NHL Bets


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NHL Parlay Betting

A parlay bet combines 2 or more selections into one bet. Puck lines, Point spreads, over-under totals, moneylines, and some prop bets are commonly combined to make a parlay bet.

How to Place an NHL Parlay Bet

  1. Select 2-15 puck lines, totals, moneylines, or a combination of all three.
  2. Matchups from other sports like football, basketball, soccer, or baseball can be included.
  3. All selections must be correct to win.
  4. Each tie reduces a parlay payout by 1 selection. For example, a 3 selection parlay with 1 tie becomes a 2 selection parlay.

More Parlay Bet Info

Our parlay betting tutorial explains this bet in detail with examples and suggested betting options. Learn what happens when one or more parlay selections tie.

The reference section discusses the difference between standard parlay odds and true odds.

Winning bettors should always choose the parlay over separate straight bets. Your +EV (expected value) is much higher for a winning parlay.

NHL If Bet Win-Only

An if bet win-only is a sequence of 2-7 straight bet selections. The next selection only sees action if the previous selection wins.

Think of an if bet win-only as a simple chain of “if – then” statements. If my first selection wins, then my second selection sees action. If my second selection wins, then my third selection sees action, etc.

Why place an if bet win-only bet?
Make multiple bets when you only have money for one. That makes if bets ideal for players with small bankrolls.

The if bet win-only is a single action wager.

How to Place an NHL If Bet Win-Only

  1. Select 2-7 puck lines, moneylines, totals, or combinations of all three from one or more different sports leagues.
  2. Your next selection sees action if the previous one wins.
  3. The sportsbook will grade a tie selection as a loss.

NHL If Bet Win-Only Example

Let’s place a 2 selection if bet win-only. We’ll risk $150 on the first selection. Note how the odds affect the potential payout.

Boston Bruins +1.5 -150 Puck Line
Florida Panthers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs 4.5 o -110 Total

The following tables show different outcomes depending on each selection’s result. Remember, the sequence ends after the first losing selection.

This table shows the Win/Loss result when both selections win.

Both Selections Win
Selection Result Risk/Win Total Win/Loss
Boston Bruins +1.5 -150
Puck Line
Win $150 Risk
$100 Win
$100
Florida Panthers vs.
Toronto Maple Leafs o 4.5 -110
Total
Win $110 Risk
$100 Win
$200
($100 + $100)

The second selection, Florida Panthers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs o 4.5, sees action after the first selection won.

You win $200 for risking $150 because both selections were correct.

More If Bet Win-Only Info

Our helpful if bet win-only tutorial offers an in-depth explanation of this bet.

The reference section compares the performance of 2 losing straight bets versus a losing 2-selection if bet win-only.

Hint: A losing if bet win-only is less costly than separate losing straight bets. The if-then sequence ends after the first loss while separate straight bets cannot be canceled.

NHL Parlay Card Betting

A sportsbook will create a list of puck lines, point spreads, totals, or player props from one or more leagues. The list will be printed on paper for in-person betting or found on a sportsbook’s website for online betting.

Your parlay card wins if all your selections win. A tie selection counts as a win if you bet a “ties win” parlay card.

Your parlay card loses if any of your selections lose. It also loses if you bet a “ties lose” parlay card and one of your selections tied.

Sportsbooks offer 3 types of parlay cards. Rules and payouts vary for each:

  • ½ Point Parlay Card (most common)
  • Ties Win Parlay Card
  • Ties Lose Parlay Card

A common parlay card minimum bet is $2. Parlay card maximum bets will be subject to sportsbook approval. Most players bet less than $100 per card. Maximum payout amounts range $100,000 – $200,000.

How to Bet an NHL Parlay Card

  1. Parlay Cards are readily available at Las Vegas sports books. Bet “off the board” parlays at online sportsbooks.
  2. Review all matchups and player props. Make 3-12 selections. Fill out your card carefully.
  3. Ties are subject to the parlay card’s rules. Ties aren’t possible with ½ point parlay cards.
  4. Return to the sportsbook with your winning receipt or stub to collect winnings. You may also collect your winnings by mail.

More Parlay Card Info

Our parlay card tutorial offers a comprehensive explanation of this popular exotic bet. It also includes an image of a real parlay card. Review each parlay card’s potential payouts. The more selections you make, the more you can win.

Each payout is fixed in advance. Be sure to read the rules. Carefully review minimums for prop bet cards, contingencies for tie bets, and how to claim your winnings.

Important: Parlay cards are like lottery tickets. They must be filled out completely. Bubble-in your selections with a good pencil or pen. Retain the card until all matchups have finished.

Note the redemption mailing address. Winning cards can be mailed in for a return check.

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NHL Props

NHL Prop Bets - Next 4 Games
+ Displays more odds
BetMGM Sports Betting BetMGM
Bet
Wild
Jets
6:08pm EDT
Pending BetMGM
Flames
Oilers
8:08pm EDT
Pending BetMGM
Kraken
Stars
8:08pm EDT
Pending BetMGM
Ducks
Golden Knights
10:08pm EDT
Pending BetMGM

A prop or proposition bet is side bet placed on an event that isn’t dependent on the game’s final outcome.

Common prop bets are for whether a particular event will occur or not. One side of the bet will be “Yes”, the other side “No”. The sportsbook will offer odds for each outcome.

NHL Season Win Totals
Season win totals are a combination prop and future bet. These bets are available before the season begins.

How to Place an NHL Prop Bet

  1. Select the game or event from your sportsbook’s list of upcoming matchups.
  2. Each prop bet outcome will have moneyline odds.
  3. Make a selection and bet your desired amount.
  4. Your bet wins if you picked the correct outcome.

Note: Some props cannot be added to parlays.

More Prop Bet Info

Read our expansive prop betting article. These bets are popular with knowledgeable sports handicappers if the numbers are right.


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NHL Futures Odds

2024-25 Stanley Cup Odds

Team
BetMGM Sports Betting BetMGM
Oilers
+800
Bet
Panthers
+900
Bet
Avalanche
+1100
Bet
Stars
+1100
Bet
Devils
+1100
Bet
Rangers
+1100
Bet
Hurricanes
+1500
Bet
Maple Leafs
+1500
Bet
Predators
+1600
Bet
Golden Knights
+1600
Bet
Bruins
+1800
Bet
Lightning
+2200
Bet
Canucks
+2200
Bet
Kings
+2500
Bet
Jets
+2800
Bet
Wild
+3000
Bet
Red Wings
+4000
Bet
Senators
+4000
Bet
Islanders
+4500
Bet
Penguins
+5000
Bet
Sabres
+6000
Bet
Utah
+6000
Bet
Flyers
+6600
Bet
Kraken
+6600
Bet
Blues
+6600
Bet
Capitals
+6600
Bet
Flames
+10000
Bet
Canadiens
+15000
Bet
Blackhawks
+20000
Bet
Ducks
+30000
Bet
Blue Jackets
+30000
Bet
Sharks
+40000
Bet

NHL Standings



2024-2025 NHL Regular Season Standings
Team GP W L OTL wPct Pts ROW GF GA Diff Home Away SO L10 Strk
Vegas Golden Knights22001.00042127+5.02-0-00-0-00-02-0-0W2
Winnipeg Jets22001.0004281+7.01-0-01-0-00-02-0-0W2
Utah Hockey Club22001.00042106+4.01-0-01-0-00-02-0-0W2
New Jersey Devils32100.6674296+3.01-1-01-0-00-02-1-0L1
St. Louis Blues32100.667421110+1.00-0-02-1-00-02-1-0L1
New York Rangers11001.0002160+6.00-0-01-0-00-01-0-0W1
Tampa Bay Lightning11001.0002141+3.00-0-01-0-00-01-0-0W1
Los Angeles Kings11001.0002131+2.00-0-01-0-00-01-0-0W1
Ottawa Senators11001.0002131+2.01-0-00-0-00-01-0-0W1
Dallas Stars11001.0002143+1.00-0-01-0-00-01-0-0W1
Minnesota Wild11001.0002132+1.01-0-00-0-00-01-0-0W1
Calgary Flames11001.0002165+1.00-0-01-0-00-01-0-0W1
Philadelphia Flyers11001.0002032+1.00-0-01-0-01-01-0-0W1
Toronto Maple Leafs21100.5002143+1.00-0-01-1-00-01-1-0W1
Boston Bruins21100.5002110100.01-0-00-1-00-01-1-0W1
Florida Panthers21100.50021770.01-0-00-1-00-01-1-0L1
Montreal Canadiens21100.5002156-1.01-0-00-1-00-01-1-0L1
Pittsburgh Penguins21100.5002169-3.00-1-01-0-00-01-1-0W1
Vancouver Canucks20020.0002079-2.00-0-20-0-00-10-0-2OT2
New York Islanders10010.0001045-1.00-0-10-0-00-00-0-1OT1
San Jose Sharks10010.0001045-1.00-0-10-0-00-00-0-1OT1
Chicago Blackhawks20110.0001037-4.00-0-00-1-10-00-1-1OT1
Anaheim Ducks00000.00000000.00-0-00-0-00-00-0-0
Washington Capitals00000.00000000.00-0-00-0-00-00-0-0
Nashville Predators10100.0000034-1.00-1-00-0-00-00-1-0L1
Columbus Blue Jackets10100.0000023-1.00-0-00-1-00-00-1-0L1
Seattle Kraken10100.0000023-1.00-1-00-0-00-00-1-0L1
Detroit Red Wings10100.0000036-3.00-1-00-0-00-00-1-0L1
Carolina Hurricanes10100.0000014-3.00-1-00-0-00-00-1-0L1
Colorado Avalanche10100.0000048-4.00-0-00-1-00-00-1-0L1
Edmonton Oilers10100.0000006-6.00-1-00-0-00-00-1-0L1
Buffalo Sabres30300.00000310-7.00-2-00-1-00-00-3-0L3

Upcoming NHL Matchups

NHL Betting FAQs

What are the most popular NHL hockey straight bets?

The most popular NHL hockey straight bets are the puck line, over-under total, and moneyline. The vast majority of NHL hockey bettors use these wagers to have a profitable season.

What are the most popular NHL hockey exotic bets?

The most popular NHL hockey exotic bets include the parlay, if bet, and prop bet. While serious sports bettors don’t place exotic wagers as often as straight bets, they can be carefully deployed to capitalize on a good opportunity. Well placed parlay bets, in particular, can be more profitable for winning sports bettors than straight bets.

What is a good NHL hockey handicapping strategy?

We recommend fading the public to determine which team to bet on. When 80% of the betting public is on the favorite team, it’s safe to say the underdog represents a better opportunity. In fact, the moneyline odds may be skewed in such a way that an underdog victory would produce a generous payout.

Which NHL hockey prop bets are legal?

NHL prop bets for both the game and individual players are legal in most US States. Refer to your sportsbook’s wagering menu and house rules for more information.

NHL Betting Resources

  • NHL Betting Guide – The action is on the ice with NHL point spreads, totals, and puck lines. We also explain how to bet NHL parlays and props.
  • NHL Betting Sites – SportsBetting3.com has reviewed top NHL betting sites just in time for the big game. The action is on the ice!
  • NHL Odds – Moneyline, total, and puck line odds for upcoming NHL matchups, plus odds to win the Stanley Cup, each conference, division, and various player trophies.
  • NHL Prop Bets – Learn how to bet NHL props with our helpful tutorial, then see the latest NHL prop bets from upcoming matchups.
  • NHL Futures Odds – Review odds for popular NHL futures events, including the Stanley Cup Finals, Eastern and Western conference winners, division winners, Hart Memorial Trophy winner, and other player awards.
  • NHL Point Total Odds – Review regular season point total lines and odds for each team. Remember to place you bet before each team’s first game of the regular season.
  • Undefeated NHL Teams – See which teams are still undefeated in the current regular season.
  • NHL Team Shootout Records – See each team’s current and historic shootout record from the 2005 season to present.
  • Stanley Cup Betting Odds – Latest odds to win the Stanley Cup, plus ways to bet on the Stanley Cup finals.
  • Winning NHL Betting Strategies – Intermediate to advanced ways to sharpen your NHL handicapping to place winning hockey bets.
  • Handicapping a Hockey Game – Quick primer on what to look for when you’re sizing up an NHL matchup.
  • NHL Team Betting Odds – Review odds for each NHL team, including upcoming games, futures, and season specials.