Learn the key differences between moneyline and puck line bets in hockey, when you should use each and get strategy tips to make profitable NHL picks if you’re new or experienced in hockey betting.

Hockey Betting for New and Experienced Bettors

Hockey is gaining popularity rapidly in sports betting. With 82 games per NHL team each regular season, there are thousands of hockey betting opportunities. When wagering on hockey, the most common bets are on the moneyline and the puck line. But what’s the difference and when should you make each type of bet?

Moneyline Betting

A moneyline bet, sometimes called a straight-up bet, is the most basic hockey wager you can make after the Stake Login. With a moneyline bet:

• You are simply picking one team to beat the other
• There is no point spread or margin of victory involved

Moneyline odds adjust based on the strength of each team playing. Heavy favorites get lower odds, while big underdogs receive higher payouts.

For example:

• Edmonton Oilers -250
• Chicago Blackhawks +200

Here the Oilers are favored on the moneyline with odds of -250. This means you would risk $250 to profit $100 if they win. The +200 line for the Blackhawks means a $100 bet profits $200 if Chicago pulls the upset.

Puck Line Betting

The puck line aims to even out the strength of two hockey teams in a matchup. Similar to a point spread in football and basketball betting, on the puck line:

• The better team must not just win, but win by multiple goals
• The weaker underdog receives a lead of 1.5 or 2 goals

Using the same game as the moneyline example above, the puck line with Edmonton favored by 1.5 goals might look like:

• Edmonton Oilers -1.5 (+140)
• Chicago Blackhawks +1.5 (-170)

Now for Edmonton to cover, they must win by 2 or more goals. Chicago covers if they lose by 1 goal or win the game outright. The puck line also adjusts the payout odds closer to even on both sides.

When to Make Moneyline vs Puck Line Bets

Below are some guidelines on when to use moneyline bets versus puck line bets:

Moneyline Bets

• When betting large favorites expected to win handily
• If you predict a close, low-scoring game
• When an underdog has a good chance for an upset

Puck Line Bets

• When betting heavy underdogs expected to lose
• If a big favorite could win in a blowout
• When you expect a high-scoring affair

In games expected to be close or low-scoring, the moneyline odds give you better payouts for being right on the outright winner.

In lopsided matchups with a clear better team, the puck line helps balance out a likely blowout win.

Tips for New Hockey Bettors

If you’re just getting started with hockey betting online, keep these tips in mind:

• Shop for the best lines. Odds and puck lines can vary significantly between sportsbooks. Shopping around will help you maximize value.
• Watch line movements. Substantial line movements often indicate sharp betting on one side that could signal where the smart money is going.
• Study home/away splits. Home ice advantage is huge in hockey. Review teams’ home and road records before betting.
• Track injuries and lineups. One key injury can shift expectations for a team. Monitor lineups and player news closely.

Strategy Tips for Experienced Hockey Bettors

More advanced NHL bettors should also keep these strategic tips in mind:

• Bet puck lines early. The best puck line value is often available 24 to 48 hours before a game. Don’t wait until gameday.
• Target divisional games. Familiar divisional foes typically play tighter games that favour the puck line.
• Fade teams on long road trips. Fatigue and travel impact hockey teams, especially on long trips of 4+ games.
• Bet under on the puck line. Most NHL games finish with a 2-goal differential or less, making the under a profitable long term puck line play.

Moneyline vs Puck Line Bets

Here’s a quick table summarizing some of the key differences:

Whether you’re making moneyline or puck line bets, the most important thing is shopping for the best value. Compare odds across sportsbooks, study line movements and let the above tips guide your NHL picks. This will help you make profitable hockey bets in the long run.