Hockey
Puck Lines
Puck lines are the hockey version of “point spreads”, where a certain range or number of goals are scored to create a handicap between two teams. Since hockey games are usually low-scoring and competitive, a hockey line is usually set at 1.5 goals, with the favorite set at -1.5 and the underdog set at +1.5.
Over/Under
Over/Under is a bet based on the total number of goals scored in a single game, and you must decide if the total score is over or under the number set by the bookmaker. Most NHL totals are between 5.0 and 6.5 goals. If the total score is a whole number, such as 5.0, and five goals are scored, the bettor will receive a refund, as there is no winner or loser in this case.
60 Minute Line
A 60-minute line in hockey is similar to a Moneyline, but does not include overtime – bettors have three choices of outcome: a home team win, an away team win, or a tie. The odds can seem much higher than Moneyline, but they also carry the obvious risk of the game going into overtime.
Props
Props bets cover almost every possible aspect of the game that you can think of but have nothing to do with the final score and come in two formats: game props and player props. Bettors can choose from a variety of player special bets including goals, assists, points, power-play points, shots, hits, saves, and shutouts.
Grand Salami
The Grand Salami bet is a unique type of bet that incorporates every game on the NHL schedule that day into a single bet. For example, if there are 10 games in the NHL, the Grand Salami total could be 45 to 55 goals. All relevant matches must run for at least 55 minutes or bets may be deemed void.
Period Betting
A Period Bet is a bet on whether you think something will happen at the end of one of the three innings of a match. This can be either a Point Spread or Over/Under for the score of a particular inning, or a Prop bet.
Goal Scorers
You can bet on a player to score a goal at any time during the game, or you can bet on a more specific player, such as betting on a player to score the first or last goal of the game.
Player to Score a Point
Every goal or assist a player scores earns that player a point. There are a variety of betting options available, such as a player earning two or more points, a player earning three or more points, an over and under limit on a player’s total score, and more.
Shots on Goal
Sportsbooks also offer a variety of bets to choose from, such as who has the most shots on goal in the game, player total shots over/under, and more.
Goalie Saves
While most NHL player bets are placed on skaters, there are also options for goalies. The most popular bet in this category is the goalie saves, which is the number of times a goalie directly stops the puck from going into the net.
Bet Smarter on Hockey
With 32 NHL teams playing 82 games each season, you have almost unlimited opportunities to bet on hockey. Once you have a basic understanding of hockey odds and bet types, you can start betting on the NHL.
Injuries
Knowing who’s in and who’s out is crucial. If a team’s superstar center is out, the outcome of the game is certainly not as expected.
Follow the Odds
Finding the most favorable odds is the most crucial part. Odds react to the outcome of the game, injuries and action, and betting odds change from the kickoff to the second before the puck hits the ice, so it’s often advisable to place your bets as early as possible.
Referees
NHL referees and linesmen have their own unique tendencies, especially when it comes to calling penalties. Some referees will allow more physical confrontation. Referees who whistle faster will promote a more open style of hockey.
Starting Goalie
Who is in the net is important. Goalies can be good and bad at times during the schedule, so be sure to consider their recent results more than their stats throughout the season.
Home vs. Away
Some teams perform particularly well at home, while others may perform better on the road.
Styles of Play
NHL teams play a variety of styles. Some teams play at a fast pace, while others prefer low-scoring defensive battles.