NHL Odds Explained: Puck Lines, Futures, & FAQ 2026

Diving into the world of NHL betting can turn every game into a thrilling experience. This guide unpacks everything you need to know about NHL odds, from understanding the moneyline and puck line to navigating totals and futures. Whether you’re new to NHL wagering or looking to sharpen your skills, this overview provides a clear breakdown of how the betting landscape works from puck drop on opening night to the waning moments of the Stanley Cup Final.

Live NHL odds for 02/26/26

Current slate NHL odds updated live via Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook.

NHL Odds Explained

NHL odds are numbers that show you two key pieces of information: which team is favored to win and how much money you can make from a successful bet. These odds appear next to each team’s name and reflect what is expected to happen in any given hockey game.

Hockey odds work differently than other sports because of the unique nature of the game. The low-scoring environment, three-period structure, and possibility of overtime create specific betting scenarios you won’t typically see in football or basketball. Understanding these differences helps you read the lines more accurately and spot better betting opportunities.

How Do You Read NHL Betting Lines?

Reading NHL betting lines starts with understanding the basic format. You’ll see two teams listed with numbers next to them: the team with a minus sign (-) is the favorite, while the team with a plus sign (+) is the underdog.

American odds are the most common format for NHL lines, and learning how to understand them makes reading these numbers second nature. If you see -160, it means you need to bet $160 to win $100 if that team wins. If you see +135, a $100 bet would win you $135 if that team pulls off the upset. The larger the number after the plus sign, the bigger the underdog.

NHL Moneyline Bets

Moneyline bets are the simplest way to wager on hockey. You’re simply picking which team will win the game.

At Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook, standard NHL moneyline bets include overtime and shootouts, so your team just needs to win, regardless of when it happens.

If you prefer to bet on a regulation result only, you can find a “Game Winner (excludes OT)” option under Game Specials. This market settles based on the score at the end of the third period, including ties, adding another strategic layer into the mix.

Puck Line Betting

The puck line is hockey’s version of the point spread and is almost always set at 1.5 goals. This means the favorite (-1.5) must win by at least two goals for a puck line bet to cash, while the underdog (+1.5) can lose by one goal and still cover the spread.

Puck line betting can become valuable when you see a heavy favorite on the moneyline. For example, if a team is listed at -150 on the moneyline, they might be +160 on the -1.5 puck line. This offers a better potential payout if you believe the favorite will win by two or more goals. The logic works in reverse for underdogs, where taking +1.5 goals provides extra insurance at a worsened price.

NHL Totals (Over/Under)

NHL totals are settled based on the combined number of goals scored by both teams. Each game has a set line, typically between 5.5 and 6.5 goals, and you bet whether the final total will go over or under that number.

Several factors tend to influence NHL totals more than in other sports:

• Goaltender matchups: Elite goalies can single-handedly keep games under the total.
• Team playing styles: Some teams prioritize defense, while others prefer a fast-paced, high-scoring approach.
• Back-to-back games: Teams often struggle offensively on the second night of consecutive games.
• Divisional rivalries: Familiar opponents frequently produce tighter, lower-scoring games.

Understanding these variables can give you an edge when evaluating whether a game is more likely to go over or stay under the posted total.

NHL Futures and Stanley Cup Odds

NHL futures allow you to bet on season-long outcomes, such as the Stanley Cup winner, division champions, and individual awards. These markets open before the season starts and remain available throughout the year, with odds constantly adjusting based on team and player performance.

Betting on the eventual Stanley Cup winner is easily the most popular futures market in hockey. Contenders often open between +700 and +900, while long shots can reach +5000 or higher. Success in futures betting often comes down to timing – placing a wager when you believe a team’s odds don’t accurately reflect its true chances.

Other popular NHL futures include:

• Conference winners: Betting on which team will advance to the Stanley Cup Final from each conference
• Division winners: Wagering on regular season division champions
• Individual and team awards: Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP), Vezina Trophy (best goalie), Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy (leading goal scorer), and Presidents’ Trophy (team with the best record)
• Regular season point totals: Over/under bets on how many points a team accumulates

Popular NHL Bets

Hard Rock Bet offers far more than just moneylines, puck lines, and totals when it comes to the NHL. Players can dive into a wide range of wagering options, from player props and parlays to real-time live betting. Below is a closer look at some of the most popular NHL bet types available throughout the season.

NHL Player Props

Player props in general have surged in popularity as of late, offering bettors a way to focus on individual performances rather than just the final score.

At Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook, NHL player prop options include:

• Anytime Goal Scorer
• Assists
• Points (goals + assists)
• Shots on goal
• Goalie saves
• Goalie shutout
• Player blocked shots

For example, if a top-line winger has been averaging four shots per game, you might consider betting over 3.5 shots on goal. Or if an elite goaltender is facing a high-volume shooting team, the over on saves could present value.

NHL Parlays

Parlays allow players to combine multiple bets, known as legs, into one wager. The benefit is a larger potential payout, but every leg must win for the ticket to cash.

With NHL parlays at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook, you can combine selections across multiple games, such as:

• Maple Leafs moneyline
• Stars -1.5 puck line
• Over 6.5 goals in Oilers vs. Flames

If all selections win, the combined odds deliver a bigger return than placing each bet individually. However, if one leg loses, the entire parlay is a loss.

NHL Same Game Parlays (SGPs)

Same Game Parlays take that concept a step further by allowing you to combine multiple bets from a single matchup into one ticket.

For example:

• Golden Knights to win
• Over 6 total goals
• Jack Eichel anytime goal scorer
• Opposing goalie over 28.5 saves

Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook also offers a Same Game Parlay Max, giving you the option to combine multiple SGPs (even across different games or sports) into one larger wager.

NHL Live Betting (In-Play Betting)

Live betting, also known as in-play betting, allows you to place wagers after the puck has dropped. Odds update in real time based on what’s happening on the ice. At Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook, NHL live betting markets can include:

• Live moneylines
• Live puck lines
• Live totals
• Period betting (winner or total)
• Updated player props

For example, if a team falls behind 1-0 early but is heavily outshooting its opponent, you may find value in the live moneyline at improved odds. Or if a game starts fast with multiple early goals, live totals may adjust, creating potential opportunities to bet the under.

NHL Betting FAQs

Still have questions about NHL betting? We’ve got answers.