In hockey betting, two of the most common markets are the moneyline and the puck line. Both give bettors different ways to back a team, and knowing the difference can help you make better picks.
The moneyline is the simplest form — you just pick which team will win the game. The puck line, on the other hand, works like a point spread, giving one team a -1.5 handicap and the other a +1.5 head start.
What is the moneyline in NHL betting?
- Definition: A straight bet on who wins the game.
- How it looks: Team A -150, Team B +130.
- Meaning: If you bet $150 on Team A, you win $100 if they win. If you bet $100 on Team B, you win $130 if they pull off the upset.
Moneyline bets are popular because they’re easy to understand and cover all outcomes, whether it’s a close game or a blowout.
Also Read: How to use pace and efficiency stats in NBA betting
What is the puck line in NHL betting?
- Definition: A spread bet in hockey, usually set at -1.5 goals for the favourite and +1.5 goals for the underdog.
- How it looks: Team A -1.5 (+180), Team B +1.5 (-210).
- Meaning: If you bet Team A, they must win by at least two goals. If you bet Team B, they can either win outright or lose by just one goal.
The puck line adds risk and reward. You get better odds on the favourite, but they must win by two goals or more.
When to choose moneyline vs puck line
- Moneyline: Best when you’re confident a team will win, regardless of margin. It’s safer but often comes with lower payouts on favourites.
- Puck line: Better if you think a team will dominate and win by multiple goals. It offers higher returns but carries more risk.
For underdogs, the puck line (+1.5) can be appealing since many NHL games are decided by a single goal.
Tips for NHL betting
- Check recent form, goalie matchups, and injuries.
- Look at home vs away performance — travel schedules matter in the NHL.
- Remember overtime rules: most sportsbooks count OT and shootouts toward moneyline and puck line results.
- Don’t blindly back favourites on the puck line; NHL games are often close.
FAQs
Q1: What happens to a moneyline bet if the game goes to overtime?
Most sportsbooks grade the moneyline based on the team that wins in overtime or a shootout.
Q2: Can the puck line be different from -1.5/+1.5?
Yes. Some sportsbooks offer alternative puck lines like -2.5 or +2.5 with adjusted odds.
Q3: Which is safer: moneyline or puck line?
The moneyline is generally safer since you only need your team to win, while the puck line requires a specific margin.
Q4: Do the odds change much between moneyline and puck line?
Yes. The puck line often gives more attractive odds on favourites but requires a two-goal win, making it riskier.
Q5: Is puck line betting good for underdogs?
It can be. Since many NHL games are close, betting the underdog at +1.5 goals often keeps you in play even if they lose by one.
