NHL Betting Odds Explained: Spread, Moneyline, and Total

Betting on NHL games adds excitement to the hockey season, and understanding the three core types of bets—spread (referred to as puck line), moneyline, and total (over/under)—is key for fans looking to place informed bets. This guide explains each type of NHL bet, how it works, and some factors to keep in mind.

1. Puck Line Betting (Spread)

In NHL betting, the spread is typically referred to as the “puck line.” It’s almost always set at -1.5 for the favorite and +1.5 for the underdog. The puck line gives the favorite a 1.5-goal handicap, which they must cover for the bet to win. Conversely, the underdog covers the spread by losing by only one goal or winning outright.

Example:

• Toronto Maple Leafs: -1.5
• Montreal Canadiens: +1.5

In this example:

• Toronto is the favorite, meaning they need to win by 2 goals or more for the puck line bet on them to win.
• Montreal, the underdog, covers the puck line if they lose by only 1 goal or win the game.

Key Points:

• Covering the Puck Line: The favorite must win by more than the puck line (usually by 2 goals or more), while the underdog covers if they lose within that margin or win outright.
• Close Games: Hockey games are often closely contested, so puck line bets can be riskier but offer higher payouts for favorites.
• When to Bet Puck Line: Puck line betting is popular when you’re confident the favorite will win decisively, or the underdog can keep it close.

2. Moneyline Betting

Moneyline betting in the NHL is straightforward: you’re betting on which team will win the game outright, with no need to consider the spread. Moneyline odds reflect each team’s probability of winning, with favorites paying out less and underdogs paying out more.

Example:

• Boston Bruins: -150
• New York Rangers: +130

In this case:

• A bet on the Bruins at -150 means you would need to wager $150 to win $100.
• A bet on the Rangers at +130 means a $100 bet would win $130 if New York wins the game.

Key Points:

• Favorites and Underdogs: The favorite is shown with a minus sign (-) and the underdog with a plus sign (+).
• Risk and Reward: Moneyline bets on underdogs provide higher payouts but are riskier, while favorites offer more predictable outcomes with smaller returns.
• When to Bet Moneyline: Moneyline bets are ideal when you’re confident about a team winning outright, regardless of the final score margin.

3. Total (Over/Under) Betting

In total betting or over/under betting, you’re betting on the combined number of goals scored by both teams in a game. The sportsbook sets a projected total, and you decide whether the actual score will be over or under that number.

Example:

• Projected Total: 5.5

In this case:

• If you bet Over and the combined goals scored is 6 or more, you win.
• If you bet Under and the total goals scored is 5 or fewer, you win.

Key Points:

• Goalie Matchups and Defense: Goalie performance and defensive play significantly impact totals. Games with elite goalies or strong defenses may result in lower scores.
• Playing Styles: Teams that play a fast, offensive style will likely have higher projected totals, while more defensively focused teams can lead to lower totals.
• Home and Away Games: Home ice advantage and road fatigue can also influence scoring trends, affecting the total.

Conclusion

Understanding spread (puck line), moneyline, and total bets is essential for NHL betting. Each type of bet requires different insights, whether you’re betting on the puck line for a higher risk-reward, choosing a team outright with the moneyline, or betting on total goals scored.

NHL games can be closely contested, so staying updated on team form, goaltender performance, and player injuries will give you an edge when betting on hockey.