Beginner-friendly breakdown of how the puck line works in NHL betting—and why it can offer smarter value than a standard moneyline bet.
When it comes to betting on NHL games, one term that often confuses new bettors is the puck line. If you’re familiar with point spreads in football or basketball, the puck line is hockey’s version—but with its own unique twist.
In this guide, we’ll break down what the puck line is, how it works, and when it might offer more value than a traditional moneyline bet.
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What Is the Puck Line?
The puck line is a type of point spread used in NHL betting. Unlike other sports where spreads can vary widely, the puck line is almost always set at -1.5 goals for the favorite and +1.5 goals for the underdog.
Here’s how it works:
If you bet the favorite at -1.5, they must win by 2 or more goals for your bet to cash.
If you bet the underdog at +1.5, your bet wins if they win the game outright or lose by exactly one goal. It’s designed to level the playing field and add betting value to otherwise uneven matchups.
Puck Line vs. Moneyline: What’s the Difference?
Moneyline betting is simply picking who will win the game—no goal margin required.
Puck line betting introduces a margin of victory (or cushion for the underdog), much like a spread in NFL or NBA bets.
Example: Toronto Maple Leafs (-1.5) vs. Montreal Canadiens (+1.5)
If you bet Toronto -1.5 and they win 4–2, you win.
If Toronto only wins 3–2, your puck line bet loses—even though they won the game.
If you bet Montreal +1.5 and they lose 3–2, you win the bet because they lost by just one goal.
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Why Bet the Puck Line?
The puck line can offer better odds compared to the moneyline, especially when backing heavy favorites. A team may be -250 on the moneyline but +110 on the puck line.
This shift makes it more appealing for bettors who believe the team will dominate and win by multiple goals.
On the flip side, underdog bettors can get a bit of protection with +1.5 goals, especially in a sport where many games are decided by a single goal.
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Key Considerations When Betting the Puck Line
1. Empty-Net Goals:
These late-game goals can turn a one-goal lead into a two-goal win, swinging the puck line in your favor (or against it) in the final minutes.
2. Team Play Style:
Some teams are built to win close, grind-it-out games, while others are high-scoring. This can affect your puck line confidence.
3. Home/Away Trends:
Historically, home teams have a slight edge when it comes to covering the puck line, but trends vary season to season.
4. Goaltending Matchups:
A hot goalie can keep an underdog close, making +1.5 an attractive option.