Betting On Hockey

Ice hockey is Canada's most beloved sport, captivating fans across all levels, from pro leagues to college athletes. For many Canadians, the thrill of watching the game is unmatched, but adding a betting element takes the excitement to a whole new level. Whether you're a seasoned bettor or just starting, understanding the various betting options can enhance your hockey experience. From money lines to puck lines and unique bets like the Grand Salami, this guide covers everything you need to know about wagering on this iconic Canadian pastime. Did you know? Ice hockey, as we know it today, was shaped right here in Canada, though its origins trace back to Ancient Egypt 4,000 years ago.

Reading time: 4 minutes.

Money Line

When placing a money line bet, you'll see teams listed with a minus (-) or plus (+) sign. The minus indicates the favorite, and the plus signifies the underdog. The number next to the symbol shows how much you need to bet to win $100. For example, a -130 means you must bet $130 to win $100, while a +115 means a $100 bet could win you $115. In online sportsbooks, you can enter your desired bet amount to see potential winnings. To win a money line bet, the team you choose must win the game outright.

Example:

Pittsburgh Penguins (+115)
Edmonton Oilers (-130)

Puck Line

The puck line, similar to a point spread in other sports, typically sets a 1.5-goal difference between teams. Betting on the favorite at -1.5 means they must win by at least two goals for you to win the bet. Conversely, betting on the underdog at +1.5 means they can either win outright or lose by just one goal for the bet to pay out. This type of bet balances the odds between teams, often offering better payouts for favorites and a cushion for underdogs.

Example:

Chicago Blackhawks +1.5 (-150)
Montreal Canadiens -1.5 (+130)

In this scenario, a bet on the Canadiens requires them to win by two or more goals, while a bet on the Blackhawks pays out if they win or lose by only one goal.

Note: In NHL betting, shootout goals count as one goal for the winning team, which can impact puck line bets.

Over/Under Totals

Over/Under (O/U) bets involve wagering on the total number of goals scored by both teams combined. The sportsbook sets a predicted total, and you bet on whether the actual total will be over or under that number. For instance, if the O/U is set at 6 goals, betting the over means you expect seven or more goals, while betting the under means you anticipate six or fewer.

Example:

Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Buffalo Sabres – O/U: 6 goals

If the final score is 4-3 (totaling 7 goals), over bets win. If it's 3-2 (totaling 5 goals), under bets win.

Grand Salami

The Grand Salami is a unique bet that combines the total goals scored across all NHL games on a given day. Sportsbooks set a cumulative Over/Under for all games, and you wager on whether the total goals scored will be over or under that number. This bet adds an extra layer of excitement, especially on days with multiple games.

Example:

Total goals for all games: O/U 55.5

If the combined goals from all games exceed 55, over bets win; if 55 or fewer, under bets win.

Other Bets

Beyond the standard bets, sportsbooks offer various wagering options, including:

First Team to Score: Betting on which team will score first in a game.
Futures Bets: Wagering on long-term outcomes, such as which team will win the Stanley Cup.
Player Props: Betting on individual player achievements, like scoring a hat trick or winning MVP.

These bets provide diverse opportunities to engage with the game beyond traditional wagers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does a +200 money line mean? A +200 indicates that a $100 bet could win you $200, reflecting the underdog status of the team.
How does the puck line differ from the money line? The money line is a straight bet on the game's winner, while the puck line incorporates a 1.5-goal spread to balance betting odds.
Do overtime goals count in Over/Under bets? Yes, goals scored in overtime are included in Over/Under totals.
Can I bet on individual player performances? Yes, many sportsbooks offer prop bets focusing on specific player achievements during a game.
What happens to my bet if a game goes to a shootout? In most cases, the winning team in a shootout is credited with one additional goal for betting purposes.