Puck Line Explained: How NHL Puck Line Betting Works
The puck line is hockey's point spread. The favorite is -1.5 goals and the underdog is +1.5 goals. A favorite has to win by two or more to cover, and an underdog covers by winning or losing by exactly one.
How the puck line works
| Final score | Favorite -1.5 | Underdog +1.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Favorite wins 4-2 | Wins | Loses |
| Favorite wins 3-2 | Loses | Wins |
| Favorite wins 3-2 in overtime | Loses | Wins |
| Underdog wins 2-1 | Loses | Wins |
Overtime and shootouts count at most sportsbooks. A game decided in overtime or a shootout always ends with a one-goal margin, so the +1.5 side wins every time a game goes past regulation.
Puck line vs moneyline
Say a team is -180 on the moneyline. Its puck line at -1.5 might be +140. You get a much better price, but you now need a two-goal win. The underdog might be +155 to win and -165 at +1.5.
Use the puck line on a favorite when you expect a clear win and the moneyline price is too high to bet. Our guide to moneyline bets covers the other side of that choice.
Empty-net goals and the puck line
A team trailing by one late in the third period usually pulls its goalie for an extra skater. That leaves the net empty, and the leading team often scores into it. Many -1.5 bets are won this way in the final two minutes.
Alternate puck lines
Sportsbooks also offer -2.5 and +2.5, and sometimes a reverse line where the favorite gets +1.5. The prices change sharply with each half goal. See alternate lines explained.
For this week's board, see our NHL power rankings.