Hockey betting is one of the fastest-growing segments of the sports wagering industry.

As more gamblers learn how to bet on hockey, they become more attracted to the world’s fastest team sport.

The hockey regular season runs from October through mid-April, followed by two months of playoff games. Hockey betting is most popular for the playoffs because the NHL postseason is rightfully acclaimed as the best of any sport.

Hockey players perform amazing feats on skates, and the game's speed can’t be matched. Substitutions often occur “on the fly” as play continues.

Understanding Hockey Betting

Hockey betting starts with understanding the sport’s speed, physical play, and constant scoring chances.

Scoring Basics:

• 1 point → goal or assist
• Standings: 2 pts for a win, 1 pt for a regulation tie, +1 bonus for an OT/shootout win

High-impact moments like big hits, fights, breakaways, and odd-man rushes (2-on-1, 3-on-2) keep bettors alert—especially during live betting, where momentum shifts matter.

The Unique Nature of Hockey Betting

As is the case with football quarterbacks, the most prominent position in hockey is the goaltender.

Line matchups are important, especially for live betting. A tight checking line will often counter a top-scoring line. Home teams have the last line change, giving them a potential matchup edge.

Key Betting Characteristics 

• NHL games average around six total goals
• Many games land under the total
• Overtime in the Stanley Cup Playoffs is one of the most intense experiences in sports

Types of Hockey Bets

You will discover that there are a multitude of methods when you're learning how to bet on hockey games.

Options include the moneyline, puck line, over/under totals, props, futures, parlays, and live betting.

Below, we break each one down with visuals.

Moneyline Betting

The easiest wagering method to understand is the moneyline.

Gamblers pick the team they think will win the game by laying odds with the favorite or taking odds with the underdog.

Example Moneyline Odds 

The moneyline can get expensive for strong or publicly popular home favorites against a weak visiting opponent.

Puck Line Betting

The puck line works like a run line in baseball or point spread in football.

Puck Line Example

The puck line is a good way to lower the cost on heavy favorites.

Over/Under (Totals) Betting

Gamblers bet whether the combined score will go over or under a given number.

Totals Example

If the final score is 4–3, the game goes over.

Totals Betting Tip: Evaluate 

• starting goaltenders
• team playing styles
• fatigue schedule
• power-play/penalty-kill data

Prop Bets & Player Props

Prop bets used to be for entertainment, but sharps now use them strategically.

Player Prop Example 

Connor McDavid 2+ points: -105

• If McDavid scores 3 points or more, win $105 on a $100 bet
• High scorers may also have 1+ at -475, requiring a bigger risk for a smaller payout

Player props require checking form, matchups, power-play time, and line combinations.

Hockey Parlays

Hockey parlays combine multiple bets into one ticket. 

• All selections must win
• Higher payout than singles
• Can mix moneylines, puck lines, totals, and props

Example:
Avalanche ML + Over 6.5 + McDavid 2+ points

Futures Betting

Futures include Stanley Cup winners, conference winners, MVP odds, and scoring leaders.

Futures Example

Odds change daily based on performance, injuries, and betting action.

Live Betting on Hockey

Live hockey betting is thrilling — but only for fast decision-makers.

Most live betting occurs during stoppages: 

• penalties
• scoring plays
• goalie changes
• injuries

Live Betting Examples

• Will the shorthanded team kill the penalty?
• Will the power-play team score a goal?
• Will the game’s total go over?

Quick note: Hockey has fewer stoppages than other sports — live bettors must react quickly.

Hockey Betting Strategies

Keeping it simple is always the best sports betting strategy, including for hockey.

Core Strategy Tips 

• Avoid laying more than -150 on a moneyline
• Look for value underdogs, especially road teams
• Don’t overextend your bankroll

Bankroll Management for Hockey Betting

The NHL season is long – 82 games per team – so smart bankroll discipline is critical.

Mistakes to Avoid 

• Chasing losses
• Betting too much on a single game
• Laying -200 or higher on favorites

Upsets in hockey happen frequently, as even the best teams can be caught on a bad night.

Getting the Best Hockey Odds

At Prime Sportsbook, we realize the hockey betting community is highly knowledgeable.

We answer those demands with: 

• Expert oddsmakers
• Sharp NHL lines
• Early and competitive pricing

NHL Betting Trends & Analytics

Hockey trends matter — especially for goaltenders.

Key Trend Categories 

• Starting goalie performance
• Power play & penalty kill efficiency
• Team scoring trends
• Goals allowed
• Home vs. road splits
• Rest vs. fatigue spots

Common Situational Angles 

• Rested home team vs. tired road team
• Historical dominance against specific opponents
• Hot streaks by goaltenders