It's that time of year when NHL bettors are ready to cash in on all the hockey action.
Here is what to look for and how to make moneyline, point spread and over/under total bets when betting on NHL games.
(Note: I'm using a Rangers @ Devils game as an example on how to make moneyline, puck line and over/under goal total bets when betting on NHL games.)
Moneyline NHL Bet
When making an NHL moneyline bet, you choose what team you think will simply win the game. The odds indicate what team is the favorite (-) or the underdog (+).
Rangers (-113)
Devils (+103)
This moneyline projects a close game with the Rangers listed as short road favorites over the Devils. As a hockey bettor, you have two options when making an NHL moneyline bet in this spot: 1.) You can bet $113 to win a return profit of $100 (=$213) on the Rangers. 2.) Or you can bet $100 to win a return profit of $103 (=$203) on the Devils.
Puck line NHL Bet
As per usual, sportsbooks set a puck line, in place of a more common point spread, for hockey games - which is a projected margin of victory to equate into whether you think the Rangers or Devils are going to cover the given puck line.
(Let's use the following puck line as an example.)
Rangers - 1.5 (-110)
Devils +1.5 (-110)
For you to win your bet, the side you bet on has to cover the puck line. So, if you bet on the Rangers (-1.5), New York would have to win the hockey game by two goals or more for you to win your point spread bet.
If you bet the Devils (+1.5), New Jersey would have to win the game or loss by one goal for you to win your bet. (A puck line bet that lands exactly on the number is considered a push, which means neither side wins and you get your money back.)
Total Goals ('Over/Under') NHL Bet
Oddsmakers set a total combined goals for a game. An NHL bettor has to decide whether the amount of goals for the game will go 'Over' or 'Under' the total.
Over +6.5 (-110)
Under -6.5 (-110)
If you think the Rangers and Devils will combine to score less than six goals, you can bet on the 'Under' 6.5 total. On the flipside, if you think the Rangers and Devils will go 'Over' the total, both teams would have to score more than six goals for you to win your Over/Under bet.
(NHL lines and odds are usually available the day before a game is played, so check your sportsbook of choice for updated betting info., injuries, etc.)
