Last Updated on October 6, 2025 6:48 pm by Michael Cash
Core NHL Bet Types: Moneyline, Puck Line & Totals
- Moneyline: Pick the winner (OT/shootout included). Favorites show negative odds (e.g., −150); underdogs show positive odds (e.g., +130). Expert Edge: Price shop aggressively—tiny differences matter in hockey; see how to shop betting lines.
- Puck line (spread): Usually ±1.5 goals. −1.5 needs a two-goal win; +1.5 can cash in a one-goal loss. Expert Edge: Goalie news and back-to-backs can move prices 15–20 cents; compare alt lines for better risk/reward.
- Totals (Over/Under): Common numbers: 6 or 6.5. Pace, power play, and goaltending form drive scoring. Expert Edge: Empty-net goals can swing late; understand how totals interact with other NHL bet types before correlating legs.
Player Props (Hockey Bet Types)
Beginner Basics: Shots on goal, anytime scorer, assists, saves. Start with volume shooters on top lines and PP1.
Expert Edge: Use iCF (individual shot attempts), time on ice, and matchup vs weak defensive pairs. Avoid narrative traps; trust data over recent goal streaks.
Period & Derivative Markets (Types of NHL Bets)
Beginner Basics: Bet a single 20-minute period (period ML/total) or derivatives like “race to 2 goals.” Good for isolating fast or slow starters.
Expert Edge: Track first-period scoring rates, penalty minutes, and travel fatigue. Teams on B2B often show slow legs early.
Live / In-Game NHL Betting
Beginner Basics: A single power play can swing live totals. If price runs away, wait for the next whistle or penalty change.
Expert Edge: Use structured live betting tactics to attack mispriced totals after early goals, goalie pulls, or 4-on-4 sequences.
NHL Futures
Beginner Basics: Season-long markets: Stanley Cup, conference/division winners, player awards.
Expert Edge: Emphasize 5-on-5 xG differential, depth, and goaltending stability. For mechanics of long-range markets, see Futures Betting Explained.
Parlays & Correlation in Hockey Betting
Beginner Basics: Parlays combine legs for bigger payouts, but risk multiplies.
Expert Edge: Sides and totals can be correlated (e.g., defensive slog → dog + Under). Learn when combos make sense in Parlays, Teasers & Round Robins.
Bankroll Tips
Hockey variance is high. Keep units smaller, avoid tilt after bad beats, and review outcomes over batches of games. Study Bankroll Management and Betting Units & Staking Plans to stay disciplined.
Mastering NHL bet types means matching the right market to your read—then getting the best price before you click submit.
FAQs: NHL Bet Types
What’s best for beginners? Start with moneylines—simplest path to understanding price vs probability.
Are puck lines harder? They add margin risk; use when you expect two-goal separation or prefer plus-money profiles.
How do I find an edge? Compare implied probabilities to team xG, special-teams rates, and goaltending form—then shop lines.
Responsible Gaming
Set limits and stick to them. For free, confidential help, visit the National Council on Problem Gambling.
Related Guides