NHL Betting Odds — Puck Line, Moneyline & Totals
How NHL betting markets work
Hockey's spread is the puck line, fixed at ±1.5 goals — like baseball's run line, the number stays put and the price moves. Because games are low-scoring and often one-goal, the moneyline is the most popular play, and the puck line favorite frequently pays plus-money.
- Puck line: -1.5 favorite must win by two; +1.5 underdog covers losing by one or winning outright. Empty-net goals late swing both puck lines and totals.
- Moneyline: straight-up winner — the default in a sport decided by a single goal.
- Total (over/under): combined goals, usually 5.5–6.5, driven by goalies and pace.
What moves NHL lines
Starting-goalie confirmations are the biggest mover — a backup in net shifts the total and the moneyline. Back-to-backs and travel matter too. See the split on our public betting chart, shop the best price with line shopping, and track closing line value.