NHL Betting Lines Explained

Introduction

Welcome to our in-depth guide on understanding hockey betting and NHL betting lines explained! If you are new to the world of sports betting or looking to deepen your knowledge of NHL wagers, you’re in the right place. In this article, we will thoroughly explain the different types of betting lines in NHL, empowering you to bet with confidence.

Moneyline Betting in NHL

Moneyline betting is the most popular and straightforward way to bet on NHL games. In this type of bet, you are simply picking which team you think will win the game. The teams are given odds that reflect their likelihood of winning, helping you understand the potential payout of your bet. The favorites, expected to win, have negative odds, while the underdogs, expected to lose, have positive odds.

NHL Betting Lines Explained with Colorado Avalanche and Philadelphia Flyers example

Imagine a game between the Colorado Avalanche (-160) and the Philadelphia Flyers (+140). In this scenario, the Avalanche are the favorites, and the Flyers are the underdogs.

American Odds

If you bet $160 on the Avalanche and they win, you would receive your initial $160 back, plus an additional $100 in profit. However, if you decide to bet $100 on the Flyers and they manage to win, you would get your $100 back, plus an additional $140 in profit.

Fractional Odds

The same odds could be presented as 5/8 for the Avalanche and 7/5 for the Flyers. A $160 bet on the Avalanche at 5/8 odds would win you an additional $100, while a $100 bet on the Flyers at 7/5 odds would win you an additional $140.

Decimal Odds

In decimal odds, the Avalanche might be listed at 1.625, while the Flyers might be listed at 2.40. A $160 bet on the Avalanche would return a total of $260 ($160 stake + $100 profit), while a $100 bet on the Flyers would return a total of $240 ($100 stake + $140 profit).

Understanding the Different Odds Formats

American odds show you the potential profit on a $100 bet for underdogs, or how much you need to bet to make $100 in profit for favorites. Fractional odds represent the potential profit relative to your stake. Decimal odds represent the total return (including your stake) per unit bet.

By understanding these different odds formats and how they apply to moneyline betting, you can make more informed decisions and better navigate the world of NHL betting.

Puck Line Betting

Puck line betting is the hockey version of point spread betting. The puck line usually sets the line at 1.5 goals. For a bet on the favourite to pay out, they need to win by at least 2 goals. On the other hand, an underdog bet pays out if they lose by just a single goal or win the game outright.

Over/Under Betting

Over/under betting, also known as totals betting, involves betting on the total number of goals scored in a game, regardless of which team scores them. Sportsbooks set a line, and bettors can wager on whether the actual total will be over or under that amount.

Prop Betting

Prop bets are wagers on specific events within the game that don’t directly relate to the final outcome. This can include betting on which player will score the first goal, the total number of penalties in a game, or which team will score first.

Conclusion

Understanding NHL betting lines is crucial for any sports bettor looking to make informed and successful wagers. By familiarizing yourself with moneyline, puck line, over/under, and prop betting, you’re setting yourself up for a successful betting experience. Enjoy the excitement of NHL betting, and good luck!