Hockey’s fast-paced nature and frequent scoring opportunities make it a thrilling sport for betting. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just getting started, understanding the different types of hockey bets is essential. In this article, we’ll explore the key betting options for hockey and how they work, using real NHL teams to illustrate the examples.

Types of Hockey Bets

Hockey betting offers a wide variety of wager types, from simple moneyline bets to more complex options like prop bets and parlays.

1. Moneyline Bets

A moneyline bet is the most straightforward type of hockey bet. You’re simply betting on which team will win the game outright. Each team is assigned odds, with the favorite having lower odds and the underdog offering a higher payout.

For example:

• Toronto Maple Leafs (-140): You would need to bet $140 to win $100 if the Maple Leafs win.
• Montreal Canadiens (+120): A $100 bet on the Canadiens would win you $120 if they win.

Moneyline bets are easy to understand, as you only need to predict which team will win.

2. Puck Line Bets

A puck line bet is hockey’s version of the point spread. The puck line is typically set at 1.5 goals, meaning the favorite must win by at least 2 goals for the bet to pay off, while the underdog can lose by 1 goal and still cover the spread.

For example:

• Edmonton Oilers -1.5 (+150): The Oilers need to win by 2 or more goals. A $100 bet would win $150.
• Vancouver Canucks +1.5 (-170): The Canucks can win outright or lose by 1 goal, and you would need to bet $170 to win $100.

Puck line betting evens out the odds between mismatched teams, making it a popular option for bettors.

3. Totals (Over/Under) Bets

A totals bet, also known as an over/under, involves betting on the total number of goals scored by both teams combined. The sportsbook sets a number, and you bet on whether the total goals will be over or under that figure.

For example, if the total is set at 5.5 goals:

• Over 5.5: You’re betting that the Calgary Flames and Winnipeg Jets will combine for 6 or more goals.
• Under 5.5: You’re betting that the total number of goals will be 5 or fewer.

Totals bets focus on the overall game score, regardless of which team wins.

4. Prop Bets

Prop bets (proposition bets) allow you to bet on specific events or player performances during the game. These bets are not tied to the final score but instead focus on individual moments or statistics.

Common hockey prop bets include:

• First Team to Score: Betting on whether the Chicago Blackhawks or New York Rangers will score the first goal.
• Player Points: Wagering on how many points (goals and assists) a player like Connor McDavid will record.
• Power Play Goals: Betting on how many power play goals will be scored during the game.

Prop bets add extra excitement to hockey games, letting you focus on specific aspects of play.

5. Parlay Bets

A parlay bet combines multiple bets into one wager. To win a parlay, all bets included in the parlay must win. Parlays can mix moneyline, puck line, totals, and prop bets into one bet.

For example, a parlay might include:

• New York Islanders to win (moneyline)
• Boston Bruins to cover -1.5 goals (puck line)
• The total to go over 5.5 goals in the Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers game

While parlays offer higher payouts, they come with more risk, as all individual bets must win for the parlay to succeed.

6. Futures Bets

A futures bet is a long-term wager placed on events that will happen later in the season. Popular futures bets in hockey include predicting which team will win the Stanley Cup, which player will win the Vezina Trophy (best goaltender), or which team will win their division.

Futures odds shift throughout the season as teams and players perform, making these bets exciting to track.

Popular Hockey Leagues for Betting

Although the NHL is the most popular hockey league for betting, several other leagues and tournaments also offer betting opportunities:

• National Hockey League (NHL): The premier professional hockey league, featuring teams from the U.S. and Canada, with a long season and competitive playoffs.
• American Hockey League (AHL): The AHL is the primary developmental league for the NHL and offers plenty of betting opportunities.
• KHL (Kontinental Hockey League): Based in Russia and other Eastern European countries, the KHL provides competitive international betting markets.
• International Tournaments: Events like the IIHF World Championships and the Winter Olympics provide global hockey betting opportunities.

Live Hockey Betting

Live betting, or in-play betting, allows you to place bets while the game is happening. The odds change in real time based on the game’s events, making live betting a dynamic and engaging experience.

In live hockey betting, you can wager on:

• Which team will score next?
• Will the Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Washington Capitals game go into overtime?
• How many goals will be scored in the current period?

Live betting adds an extra layer of excitement as you react to the game’s shifts in momentum.

Conclusion: Betting on Hockey

Betting on hockey provides a wide range of options, from simple moneyline bets to more complex parlays, puck line bets, and prop bets. With leagues like the NHL and international competitions, there are plenty of betting opportunities for hockey fans. By understanding the different types of hockey bets, you can make informed decisions and enjoy the excitement of hockey betting throughout the season.