<p>If you’re new to NHL betting, it can feel a bit complex at first. The trick is to approach it the right way and to get familiar with the basics (think moneyline, puck line, and totals) before even considering moving on to anything more advanced.</p> <p>The complexity comes from the fact that <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/ice-hockey-us">US ice hockey</a> isn’t quite like other sports. Its pace, scoring patterns, and quirks open up betting angles that are unique to this sport. That’s part of what makes it extremely interesting to follow -&nbsp; as long as you know the fundamentals and understand what happens before your eyes.</p> <p>With more than 1,300 games in a regular NHL season, opportunities come thick and fast. And because hockey is fast and often low-scoring, betting ‘strategies’ that might work in footy or basketball don’t always translate to the ice.</p> <p>In this guide on how to bet on the NHL, we’ll cover the core markets, share simple approaches that can help you make more informed bets, and help you spot value when backing teams or players on Sportsbet.</p> <h2>The Basics Explained</h2> <p>As we said earlier, NHL betting starts with the basics. When you head to <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/ice-hockey-us/nhl-games">the hockey section on Sportsbet</a>, you’ll see odds displayed in decimal format, with numbers like 3.66, 1.29, or 2.71.</p> <p><strong>Moneyline bets are the simplest</strong>. You’re just picking which team wins the game, no handicaps involved.</p> <p>With decimal odds, the number tells you exactly how much you’ll get back for every $1 staked. For example, odds of 2.50 mean a $10 bet would return $25 in total ($15 profit plus your $10 stake).</p> <p>Shorter odds like 1.29 point to the favourite, meaning your bet will come with a smaller profit but a higher chance of winning. Bigger numbers like 3.66 signal the underdog, where your payout jumps if they pull off the upset.</p> <p>Every market includes the bookmaker’s margin (the vig), which is built into the pricing. NHL betting odds can move during the day as bets come in or team news breaks, and sharp punters often look for value when those lines shift. And, of course, that is also why it’s always a good idea to <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle">follow our news and betting predictions</a> here at Sportsbet.</p> <p>Beyond single games, you’ll also find <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/ice-hockey-us/nhl-futures">NHL futures markets</a>, which are&nbsp; long-term bets on things like the Stanley Cup winner or season awards.</p> <p>The core markets to understand are:</p> <ul> <li>Moneyline (straight win/loss)<br /> &nbsp;</li> <li>Puck line (goal handicap)<br /> &nbsp;</li> <li>Totals (over/under goals scored)<br /> &nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>Each game gives you dozens of options, but <strong>starting with moneyline bets is the best way</strong> to build confidence. Once you’re comfortable, you can move into props, parlays, and more advanced plays.</p> <h2>Popular Betting Markets</h2> <p>NHL betting offers several key wagering options, from simple winner picks to complex season-long predictions. Each market has unique rules and strategies that can help you find value across different game situations.</p> <h3>Head to Head</h3> <p>Head-to-head betting is the simplest way to back an US hockey team in <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/ice-hockey-us/nhl-games">NHL games</a> since you’re just picking who wins, no matter the final margin.</p> <p>Most moneyline bets include overtime and shootouts, so your team just needs to be ahead when the game ends.</p> <p>There’s also the three-way market, where you bet on Team A, Team B, or a draw after regulation time. Because you’re only betting on the first 60 minutes, the odds here are different from the standard moneyline.</p> <p>For beginners, the moneyline is probably the best entry point since it does not involve other elements like handicaps or no totals. You only need to pick the winner and wait for the game to end.</p> <h3>Line</h3> <p>The puck line is hockey’s version of the point spread. It’s almost always set at 1.5 goals, unlike other sports where the spread can shift around.</p> <p>Backing the favourite at –1.5 means they need to win by two or more goals. In decimal odds, that might look like 2.40. Taking the underdog at +1.5 means they can lose by a single goal and your bet still wins. If they win outright, you’re paid as well. Odds here might show as 1.60.</p> <p>Puck line bets often give you a better return than the moneyline when you’re on a strong favourite. Instead of something like 1.40 on the moneyline, you could see 2.10 on the puck line.</p> <p>It plays out differently to other sports because most NHL games finish with a one- or two-goal margin. That’s why the spread rarely changes from 1.5.</p> <p>Style matters too. High-scoring teams are more likely to clear a two-goal win than defensive clubs who grind out tight games.</p> <h3>Over/Under</h3> <p>Over/under betting focuses on total goals scored by both teams combined. When you place one of these bets, you are no longer picking winners, just whether the game will be high or low scoring.</p> <p>The <strong>over/under total</strong> typically ranges from 5.5 to 6.5 goals. If the line is 6.5 and you bet over, you need at least seven goals total to win.</p> <p><strong>Over/under betting</strong> considers all goals in regulation, overtime, and shootouts. A 3-2 game that goes to a shootout still counts all goals scored.</p> <p>Goalie matchups heavily influence totals. Elite netminders often lead to lower-scoring games, while backup goalies can create high-scoring affairs.</p> <p><strong>Totals</strong> betting works well when you're unsure about game winners but have strong feelings about pace and scoring.</p> <p>The <strong>grand salami</strong> is a unique over/under bet covering all NHL games on a given day. You're betting on total goals across every match combined.</p> <h3>Futures</h3> <p><strong>NHL futures</strong> are long-term bets placed before or during the season. These markets cover <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/ice-hockey-us/nhl-futures/nhl-futures-2025-26-9373479">championship winners</a>, division champions, and individual awards.</p> <p>Here at Sportsbet, the Stanley Cup futures are probably the most popular examples of hockey futures. You can bet on any team to win hockey's ultimate prize, with odds changing throughout the season based on performance and injuries.</p> <p>Conference and division winners offer shorter-term futures betting. These markets typically have better odds than championship bets since there are fewer teams competing.</p> <p><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/ice-hockey-us/pwhl-awards">Player award futures</a> include <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/ice-hockey-us/pwhl-awards/billie-jean-king-mvp-award-2025-26-9404224">Hart Trophy</a> (MVP), <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/ice-hockey-us/pwhl-awards/pwhl-rookie-of-the-year-2025-26-9404223">PWHL Rookie of Year</a>, and <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/ice-hockey-us/pwhl-awards/pwhl-goaltender-of-the-year-2025-26-9404221">PWHL Top Goalie</a>. Just keep in mind that while the odds connected to these bets may seem attractive, they require knowledge of individual player performance trends.</p> <p>Futures odds shift constantly based on team performance, trades, and injuries. Early season odds may sometimes be higher on teams that go on to improve.</p> <h3>Prop Bets</h3> <p><strong>Prop bets</strong> focus on specific events within games rather than final outcomes. These markets cover individual player statistics and unique game scenarios.</p> <p><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/ice-hockey-us/nhl-player-props">NHL player props</a> are extremely popular in NHL betting since they let you wager on goals, assists, points, shots on goal, and saves for specific players.</p> <p>Common player props include "Auston Matthews to score anytime" or "Connor McDavid over 1.5 points," and tend to focus on star players' individual performances.</p> <p>Game props cover team-based events like "first team to score," "team to score first goal," or "will there be a fight." These add excitement without picking winners.</p> <p>Period-specific props let you bet on individual periods. You might wager on most goals in the first period or which team scores first in the third period.</p> <p>Prop bets are usually priced differently than traditional markets because they're harder to predict consistently.</p> <h2>NHL Betting Strategy</h2> <p>Successful NHL betting usually starts with paying attention to the basics, so we always suggest considering things like recent player form, home versus away records, and how different playing conditions can shape a game.</p> <p>Of course, none of these factors guarantee results, but they can help you make more informed choices when placing a wager on the NHL.</p> <h3>Consider Player Form</h3> <p>Player form matters more in hockey than many punters realise, and it’s always a good idea to to track key players' recent performances before placing your wagers.</p> <p>Look at goalies first, since a hot goaltender can steal games and completely change betting odds. Check their save percentage and goals-against average from their last five starts. If Connor Hellebuyck is playing lights-out hockey, betting against his team may be more difficult.</p> <p><strong>Star player streaks</strong> also impact outcomes significantly. When Connor McDavid or Auston Matthews are on scoring tears, their teams can sometimes outperform expectations. To begin, track these patterns:</p> <ul> <li>Points in last 10 games</li> <li>Power play production</li> <li>Shots on goal trends</li> </ul> <p><strong>Injury reports</strong>, as you can surely imagine, change everything in NHL betting. A superstar missing from the lineup can shift odds dramatically and, let’s face it, the Vegas Golden Knights without Mitch Marner will&nbsp; play completely differently than with him.</p> <p>Award contenders often perform better late in seasons. Players chasing the <strong>Hart Trophy</strong> or <strong>Vezina Trophy</strong> typically elevate their games during crucial stretches. Young players competing for the <strong>Calder Trophy</strong> can also provide excellent value bets when they're trending upward.</p> <h3>Home Ground Advantage</h3> <p>Home ice advantage in the NHL is real and measurable. Teams win approximately 55% of their home games, which can influence outcomes in measurable ways.</p> <p>Last line change gives home coaches important tactical advantages, as they can match their best players against weaker opposition lines. This edge becomes massive in tight games where matchups determine outcomes.</p> <p>Certain venues offer unique advantages, too - in a way that is similar to what we discusses for Southern and Eastern European soccer teams in our page on how to bet on the UEFA Conference League.</p> <p>Need any examples? Just think about this: the Colorado Avalanche play at altitude in Denver, which affects visiting teams' stamina, and see opponents often struggle in their first period there.</p> <p>Crowd energy, as usual, is another factor that impacts referee decisions and momentum swings. Playoff atmospheres in cities like Toronto create intimidating environments for visitors and, yes - these psychological factors show up in betting lines.</p> <p>Travel fatigue hits visiting teams harder than many realise. Teams on long road trips or playing back-to-back games struggle more away from home. Check team schedules before placing your bets on SportsBet.</p> <h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <p>Hockey betting can raise many questions about strategies, odds formats, and betting types. These answers cover essential topics from puck line mechanics to player props, plus tips for making smart bets on NHL matches.</p> <h3>What should you look at when betting on hockey games?</h3> <p>Check recent team form, including home versus away records, especially in back-to-back situations.</p> <p>Also, make sure you look at goalie matchups and confirmed lineups, since the starting goalie often plays a major role in how a game unfolds.</p> <p>Keep in mind that, early in the season, totals can be unpredictable while teams settle in. Defences usually tighten as the season progresses.</p> <p>Lastly, make sure you do keep an eye on line movements. Shifts in the odds can signal how the market is reacting to new information or betting patterns.</p> <h3>Could you explain what a 1.5 puck line means in hockey wagers?</h3> <p>The 1.5 puck line is hockey’s version of a point spread. The favourite needs to win by two or more goals to “cover the spread.” A 3–1 result does it, but 2–1 would fall short.</p> <p>When you back the favourite at –1.5, you’ll see decimal odds like 2.40. A $10 bet would return $24 if they win by at least two goals.</p> <p>Taking the underdog at +1.5 means they can lose by a single goal and your bet still pays. Odds here might look like 1.60, so a $10 stake returns $16. And of course, if the underdog wins outright, that also counts.</p> <p>The 1.5 spread rarely changes because most NHL games are decided by just one or two goals. That’s what makes it meaningful.</p> <p>You’ll also notice puck line odds usually differ from the moneyline. Backing a heavy favourite on the puck line often gives you a bigger return than the shorter odds on the moneyline.</p> <h3>How do player points impact betting approaches in hockey matches?</h3> <p>Player points combine goals and assists into one statistic that drives many NHL props. Star players typically have point totals set around 0.5 to 2.5 per game.</p> <p>Look at recent form rather than season averages when betting player points. A player on a hot streak might have inflated lines that create value on the under.</p> <p>Consider matchups against specific teams. Some players historically perform better against certain opponents or in particular venues.</p> <p>Power play opportunities can boost point totals significantly. Check if key players are likely to get extra ice time with the man advantage.</p> <p>Line combinations matter greatly for point production. Players skating with elite teammates often see increased point opportunities and higher prop lines.</p> <h3>What should punters know about NHL player props when placing their bets?</h3> <p>NHL props cover numerous statistics including goals, assists, shots on goal, and saves for goalies. These markets offer alternatives to traditional game betting.</p> <p>Injury reports and line-up changes can dramatically affect player prop values. Always check the latest team news before placing these bets.</p> <p>Goalie props focus on saves and goals against. Consider the opposing team's offensive strength when betting on save totals.</p> <p>Some sportsbooks offer same-game parlays combining multiple player props from one match. These increase potential payouts but require all legs to win.</p> <p>Player props often have limits on bet sizes. The maximum stake is usually lower than traditional moneyline or puck line wagers.</p> <h3>In what ways does the NHL table's current standing influence betting decisions?</h3> <p>Teams fighting for playoff spots often show increased motivation and effort levels. This can make them good value bets, especially as underdogs.</p> <p>Division winners and conference playoff positioning create extra incentive late in the season. Teams may rest key players once they've secured their playoff seeding.</p> <p>Stanley Cup betting odds shift throughout the season based on team performance and injuries. Early-season futures often provide better value than playoff betting.</p> <p>Teams already eliminated from playoff contention may lack motivation in final games. This can create opportunities to back their opponents or bet team totals.</p> <p>The Western Conference winner and division winners markets offer alternatives to Stanley Cup final betting with potentially better odds.</p> <h3>What are some key considerations for making informed bets on today's hockey games?</h3> <p>Check starting goalie announcements, as they're usually confirmed 1-2 hours before game time. Backup goalies can significantly shift betting lines.</p> <p>Review recent head-to-head results between the teams. Some clubs consistently struggle against specific opponents regardless of current form.</p> <p>Weather doesn't affect indoor hockey, but travel schedules and time zones can impact team performance. West Coast teams travelling east often struggle with early games.</p> <p>Stanley Cup playoffs feature different dynamics than regular season games. Teams play with more intensity, and underdogs often perform better than expected.</p> <p>Live betting can highlight changing odds as momentum shifts, creating opportunities as odds change throughout the match.</p>