What Is Puck Line in Hockey Betting?
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Last Updated: 17 December, 2025
The puck line is hockey’s version of the point spread. It’s used in NHL games to even the odds between teams.
Instead of just picking who wins (like in a moneyline bet), you’re betting on how much they win or lose by.
When you place a puck line bet, the favorite is listed at -1.5, and the underdog is at +1.5.
-1.5 puck line meaning: The favorite must win by 2 or more goals to cover the spread and win your bet.
+1.5 puck line meaning: The underdog can win the game outright or lose by just 1 goal, and your bet still wins.
This setup gives the underdog a head start and makes betting on favorites more affordable, since you’ll often see lower odds on the puck line compared to the moneyline.
How to bet the puck line
Betting the puck line means you're not just picking a winner, you’re picking how much they’ll win or lose by.
In NHL games, puck line bets are almost always set at -1.5 for the favorite and +1.5 for the underdog.
Here’s how to bet the puck line step by step:
NHL puck line bets are popular because they offer better value than heavy moneyline betting favorites.
For example, instead of laying -250 on a favorite, you might lay -110 on the puck line, but they have to win by two.
Betting the puck line adds more risk, but also more reward.
It’s a smart option on online sportsbooks when you expect a blowout or a tight loss.
How do puck line bets work?
Puck line bets work by setting a fixed spread of 1.5 goals.
The favorite starts at -1.5, meaning they need to win by two or more goals.
The underdog starts at +1.5, which means they can lose by one or win the game, and the bet still wins.
Here’s a simple example:
Team A is the favorite at -1.5
Team B is the underdog at +1.5
If you bet on Team A, they must win by two or more.
If you bet on Team B, you win the bet if they win or lose by just one.
So, how do puck line bets work compared to moneyline bets?
They add more risk for favorites, but offer better odds.
For underdogs, they give extra margin for error in close games.
When should you bet the puck line?
Puck line betting makes the most sense when there’s a clear gap between teams.
If a strong favorite is likely to dominate, the -1.5 puck line can give you a better price than the moneyline.
For example, instead of laying -250, you might get -110, but they’ll need to win by at least two.
It also works the other way.
If you think an underdog can keep it close or pull off an upset, taking them at +1.5 gives you more flexibility.
Even a one-goal loss still wins the bet.
Use puck line bets when:
A favorite has strong scoring power and consistent defense
An underdog plays tight, low-scoring games
You want better sports odds than what the moneyline offers
Puck line betting adds more strategy to NHL games, especially when you’re looking for value in uneven matchups.
Get to know NHL betting sites better with our expert guide here.
1. Period puck line bets
Some apps for sports betting offer NHL puck line bets by period instead of for the full game.
These are known as period puck lines.
Instead of the usual 1.5-goal spread, the line is usually set at -0.5 for the favorite and +0.5 for the underdog for a single period.
Here’s how it works:
A bet on the favorite wins if they outscore the other team in that period alone.
A bet on the underdog wins if they win the period or if it ends in a tie.
This option is great for spotting short-term momentum or matchups.
If a team tends to start strong or fade late, period puck line bets let you capitalize on that trend.
2. Reverse puck line bets
Reverse puck line bets flip the usual spread. Instead of the favorite being -1.5, they’re listed at +1.5.
The underdog becomes -1.5, meaning they now need to win by two or more goals.
Why use it?
Higher risk, higher reward.
If you think an underdog has a real shot at a big win, this bet can give you a much better payout than the standard moneyline or puck line.
Instead of betting on a close game, you’re backing a blowout by the underdog.
Puck line bets like this are less common but useful when the market underestimates a team's potential to dominate.
3. Alternate puck line bets
An alternate puck line bet lets you choose a spread other than the standard 1.5/+1.5.
Sportsbooks offer options like -2.5 or +2.5, with odds adjusted based on the risk.
For example:
If you think a favorite will win big, you might take -2.5 for a higher payout.
If you want extra protection on the underdog, +2.5 gives you more cushion, but the payout will be smaller.
These bets are great for confident predictions or when you're trying to maximize value in games with big skill gaps.
They add flexibility when the regular puck line doesn’t offer the right mix of risk and reward.
An alternate puck line bet is all about customizing the spread to match your read on the game.
How to win a puck line bet
Winning a puck line bet takes more than picking a strong team.
You need to match your bet to how you think the game will play out.
Here's a step-by-step process:
Moneyline vs Puck Line
Both bets have their place.
A moneyline bet is simple; you’re just picking the winner.
With the puck line, you’re betting on the margin of victory.
Here’s how they compare:
Use the moneyline when you want safer outcomes or expect a tight match.
Use the puck line when you're confident in a clear win or a close loss by the underdog.
Many experienced bettors switch between both depending on matchup, goalie strength, and odds.
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