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Term
Puck Line
Quick Summary
The puck line is hockey’s version of the point spread. It applies a fixed 1.5-goal margin to each NHL game, offering better odds on favorites and more protection on underdogs. This guide explains how the puck line works, how to interpret the odds, and when it makes sense to use it.
What Is the Puck Line?
In NHL betting, the puck line is a type of spread bet. It works by adding or subtracting 1.5 goals from a team’s final score.
- The favorite is listed at 1.5, meaning they must win by 2 or more goals
- The underdog is listed at +1.5, meaning they can lose by 1 goal (or win outright) and still cover
Unlike spreads in football or basketball, the puck line is always set at 1.5 goals. Only the odds change.
Puck Line Example
Let’s say the Dallas Stars are playing the Winnipeg Jets. A sportsbook might offer:
- Dallas Stars -1.5 (+170)
- Winnipeg Jets +1.5 (-205)
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- If you bet on Dallas -1.5, they must win by 2+ goals. A $100 bet at +170 pays $270 total.
- If you take Winnipeg +1.5, they can lose by 1 or win the game. A $205 bet pays $100 profit.
Puck Line vs. Moneyline
While the moneyline is a bet on which team will win outright, the puck line layers in margin and risk. It rewards accuracy but punishes narrow wins:
Bet Type | Risk Level | Scenario | Example Odds |
Moneyline | Lower | Just win | Stars -155 |
Puck Line | Higher | Win by 2 | Stars -1.5 (+170) |
Puck lines often appeal to bettors who want better returns on favorites or a margin of safety on underdogs.
Why the Puck Line Matters
- Improves payout on favorites: Instead of risking -200 on a strong team, you can get +150 or better if you believe they’ll win by 2+ goals.
- Adds cushion for underdogs: If a team tends to keep games close, taking +1.5 at a reasonable price offers a safety net.
- Keeps NHL games interesting: With many hockey games decided by 1 goal, puck line bets add another layer of intrigue.
Is the Puck Line Always 1.5?
Yes, in standard NHL markets, the puck line is fixed at ±1.5. This is unlike football or basketball where spreads vary by matchup. Some sportsbooks offer alternate puck lines (e.g., -2.5), but they are niche markets with much less liquidity.
When to Use the Puck Line
- Lopsided matchups: When a heavy favorite is likely to dominate, -1.5 can offer better value than the moneyline.
- Home-ice advantage: Teams with strong home records often win by wider margins.
- Backup goaltenders: A downgrade in net can make a team more vulnerable to losing by multiple goals.
- Line movement and injuries: Real-time odds changes can indicate sharp action or late-breaking news—valuable for catching +EV puck line spots.
- Live betting: A team trailing early might flip the script, offering strong second-period puck line odds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does +1.5 mean in hockey betting?
It means your team can lose by one goal or win outright for your bet to cash.
What does -1.5 mean?
The favorite must win by at least two goals for your bet to win.
Why is the puck line set at 1.5 and not higher?
Because NHL games are often low scoring and closely contested. A 1.5-goal spread balances risk and reward effectively.
Can you live bet the puck line?
Yes. Most sportsbooks offer live puck line odds that shift based on score, game state, and momentum.
What is a 3-way puck line?
A 3-way puck line includes three outcomes: Team A covers, Team B covers, or a tie. There is no refund if the game lands exactly on the spread.
Do puck line odds change before the game?
Yes. While the line stays fixed at ±1.5, the odds move based on injuries, betting action, or goalie confirmations.
Is puck line betting only for the NHL?
No. Some sportsbooks offer similar markets for other hockey leagues, though they may call it something different.
Learn More
To understand other spread-based markets like point spreads or alternate run lines, explore the rest of our educational content at The Advantage.