Puck Line Betting Guide

Puck Line Betting in 2 Minutes

The puck line is hockey's version of the point spread, but it works differently than spreads in football or basketball. Instead of varying based on the matchup, the standard puck line is fixed at 1.5 goals. The favorite must win by 2 or more goals to cover -1.5, while the underdog covers +1.5 by losing by just 1 goal or winning outright.

What makes puck line betting unique is the odds structure. Because hockey is a low-scoring sport where many games are decided by a single goal, the odds on each side are lopsided rather than the standard -110/-110 you see in football. Favorites at -1.5 typically carry plus-money odds (+140 to +200), while underdogs at +1.5 carry heavy juice (-160 to -220).

This guide covers everything you need to know about puck line betting, including how the odds work, when to bet puck lines instead of moneylines, strategies specific to hockey spreads, and how alternate puck lines create additional opportunities.

What Is a Puck Line?

The puck line is a spread bet specific to hockey. While the concept mirrors point spreads in other sports, the mechanics are distinct because of how hockey scoring works.

The standard puck line:

• Favorite -1.5: The favored team must win by 2 or more goals
• Underdog +1.5: The underdog can lose by 1 goal or win outright

In football, the point spread changes based on each game. One team might be -3 while another is -7.5. In hockey, the puck line stays fixed at 1.5 for virtually every game. The sportsbook adjusts the odds rather than the spread number to reflect the strength difference between teams.

This is the same concept used in baseball with the run line, which is also fixed at 1.5 runs. Low-scoring sports use fixed spreads because the scoring margin between teams is small.

For a broader understanding of how spreads work across all sports, see our complete point spread betting guide.

How Puck Line Betting Works

Here is a step-by-step example of how a puck line bet plays out.

Example game: Rangers -1.5 (+165) vs Hurricanes +1.5 (-195)

If you bet 100 dollars on the Rangers at -1.5 (+165):

• Rangers win 4-1: You win. They won by 3 goals, covering -1.5. You receive 265 dollars (100 stake plus 165 profit).
• Rangers win 3-2: You lose. They won by only 1 goal, not enough to cover -1.5.
• Rangers win 2-1 in overtime: You lose. A 1-goal margin does not cover -1.5, regardless of overtime.

If you bet 195 dollars on the Hurricanes at +1.5 (-195):

• Hurricanes lose 3-2: You win. They lost by just 1 goal, which is within the +1.5 spread. You receive 295 dollars (195 stake plus 100 profit).
• Hurricanes win 2-1: You win. They won outright, which is better than the +1.5 cushion.
• Hurricanes lose 4-2: You lose. They lost by 2 goals, which does not cover +1.5.

Key point about overtime and shootouts:

Puck line bets typically include overtime and shootout goals. If a game goes to overtime and the favorite wins 3-2 in a shootout, the final score counts as 3-2 for puck line purposes. The favorite did not cover -1.5, and the underdog covered +1.5.

Understanding Puck Line Odds

Puck line odds behave differently than standard point spread odds in other sports. Understanding why helps you evaluate whether a puck line bet offers value.

Why puck line odds are lopsided:

In football, a -3 spread usually has both sides near -110 because the spread itself reflects the expected margin. In hockey, the 1.5-goal spread is fixed, so the odds do all the adjusting. Since NHL favorites win by 2 or more goals only about 30-35 percent of the time, the -1.5 side carries plus-money odds to compensate for the lower probability.

Typical puck line odds ranges:

Line	Typical Odds Range	Implied Probability
Favorite -1.5	+130 to +210	32-43%
Underdog +1.5	-150 to -250	60-71%
Heavy favorite -1.5	+100 to +130	43-50%
Heavy underdog +1.5	-250 to -350	71-78%

Use our point spread calculator to analyze specific puck line odds and calculate potential payouts for different scenarios.

For a deeper look at how to interpret spread odds and calculate implied probabilities, see our guide on how to read point spreads.

Puck Line vs Moneyline

Choosing between the puck line and the moneyline depends on how confident you are in the margin of victory and what odds you find acceptable.

When to bet the puck line favorite (-1.5):

• You expect a blowout and want plus-money odds rather than heavy juice on the moneyline
• The matchup features a dominant team against a struggling one, especially with a goaltending mismatch
• You have identified a scheduling advantage (opponent on a back-to-back, long road trip)

When to bet the puck line underdog (+1.5):

• You think the underdog will keep it close but are not confident they win outright
• The moneyline underdog price is too short for the risk
• Divisional games or playoff matchups where tight results are common

When to stick with the moneyline:

• Games expected to be close where a 1-goal margin is likely
• Playoff games where scoring is typically lower
• When you like an underdog at plus-money and want the full payout if they win

Example comparison:

Bruins -155 moneyline / Bruins -1.5 (+170)

If you believe the Bruins win but are unsure about the margin, the -155 moneyline is safer. If you are confident they dominate, the +170 puck line pays significantly more for the same 100 dollar bet (170 profit vs 65 profit).

Alternate Puck Lines

Sportsbooks offer alternate puck lines beyond the standard 1.5, giving you more flexibility in risk and reward.

Common alternate puck lines:

Alternate Line	What It Means	Typical Odds
Favorite -0.5	Must win by 1+ (essentially moneyline)	Similar to moneyline
Favorite -2.5	Must win by 3+ goals	+250 to +400
Favorite -3.5	Must win by 4+ goals	+450 to +700
Underdog +2.5	Can lose by up to 2 goals	-350 to -500
Underdog +3.5	Can lose by up to 3 goals	-500 to -800

When to use alternate puck lines:

• Use -2.5 or -3.5 when building parlays and you want higher-priced legs
• Use +2.5 as a safer alternative when you think a team will lose but want protection
• Use -0.5 as a cleaner way to express a moneyline opinion at slightly different odds

Alternate puck lines at -2.5 or wider should be used sparingly. Winning by 3 or more goals is uncommon in hockey, so these are high-variance bets best reserved for games where you have strong conviction about a lopsided result.

Period puck lines:

Some sportsbooks offer puck lines for individual periods rather than the full game. Period puck lines are typically set at -0.5/+0.5 since most periods produce 0-2 goals. If you bet a team at -0.5 for the first period, they must score more goals than their opponent in that period alone. Period puck lines appeal to bettors who have a read on how a specific period will play out, such as a team that starts slow or dominates third periods.

Reverse puck lines:

A reverse puck line flips the standard structure, giving the favorite +1.5 and the underdog -1.5. This niche market offers heavy juice on the favorite (since they only need to avoid losing by 2+) and long plus-money odds on the underdog to win by 2 or more goals. Reverse puck lines are uncommon but can appeal to bettors who expect a heavy underdog to pull off a dominant upset.

Three-Way Puck Line Betting

The three-way puck line is an alternative market that uses a whole-number spread of 1 goal instead of 1.5 and adds a tie option. This market covers regulation time only, meaning overtime and shootout results do not count.

How the three-way puck line works:

• Favorite -1: Must win by 2 or more goals in regulation
• Underdog +1: Must win outright or tie in regulation
• Tie at +1: The game ends with exactly a 1-goal margin in regulation (the underdog loses by exactly 1)

Example: Panthers -1 (-110) / Tie +1 (+320) / Blackhawks +1 (+175)

If the Panthers win 3-1 in regulation, the -1 bet wins. If they win 3-2, the tie at +1 wins. If the Blackhawks win or tie in regulation, the +1 bet wins.

The three-way puck line can offer value compared to the standard -1.5/+1.5 market. The favorite at -1 carries lower juice than -1.5 because they only need to win by 2+, but they share the risk with the tie outcome. For underdogs, the +1 three-way line provides a cheaper alternative to +1.5 since you only need them to avoid losing by 2 or more in regulation.

Puck Line Betting Strategies

Several hockey-specific factors affect puck line outcomes more than other bet types.

The empty net goal factor:

In NHL games, the trailing team typically pulls their goaltender in the final 1-2 minutes for an extra attacker. This frequently results in an empty net goal for the leading team. A game that was 2-1 becomes 3-1, meaning the favorite covers -1.5 late. Roughly 30-35 percent of NHL games feature an empty net goal, and this factor works in favor of -1.5 favorites.

Goaltending matchups:

Goaltending has a larger impact on puck line outcomes than moneyline outcomes. A clear goaltending mismatch, where one team starts an elite goalie against a backup, increases the chance of a multi-goal margin. Confirm starting goalies before placing puck line bets.

Back-to-back schedule spots:

Teams on the second night of a back-to-back are more vulnerable to blowout losses. The tired team often starts a backup goalie and has reduced energy. This creates opportunities for -1.5 favorites facing back-to-back opponents.

Divisional game tendencies:

Divisional rivals tend to play tighter games because they know each other well. Puck line underdogs have historically covered at a higher rate in divisional matchups. Consider the +1.5 underdog in these games.

Live betting puck lines:

One of the most popular puck line strategies involves live betting. If a team leads by 1 or 2 goals with 5 minutes remaining, the trailing team will almost certainly pull their goalie in the final 2 minutes. This creates a high-probability empty net goal opportunity for the leading team. Betting the -1.5 puck line live in this situation can offer value because the live odds have not fully priced in the empty net factor. Watch for games where the leading team has strong defensive structure and the trailing team is aggressive about pulling the goalie early.

Home vs away performance:

Home ice advantage in hockey is modest, worth about 2-3 percentage points. However, home teams do cover the puck line at a slightly higher rate due to favorable line matchups and last change advantage.

For a comprehensive view of hockey-specific factors that affect all bet types, visit our NHL betting guide or explore the NHL betting hub for the latest odds and matchups.

Puck Line in NHL Playoffs

Puck line betting dynamics shift in the postseason.

Lower scoring: Playoff games are typically tighter and lower scoring than regular season games. Goalies face higher shot volumes and play with more intensity. This makes covering -1.5 harder for favorites.

No shootouts: Playoff overtime is sudden death with full periods. There are no shootouts, so games can extend well beyond regulation. The final score still counts for puck line purposes, but the extended game time can produce unusual margins.

Series context: As a series progresses, teams adjust. Games 5, 6, and 7 tend to be tighter than early games where one team might dominate. Puck line underdogs often have value in elimination games where desperation levels are high.

Playoff recommendation: Be cautious with -1.5 puck lines in the playoffs. The lower-scoring, tighter environment means favorites cover the puck line less frequently than in the regular season. If you want to bet a playoff favorite on the puck line, look for matchups where one team has a significant goaltending or special teams advantage.

Common Puck Line Betting Mistakes

Chasing plus-money on -1.5 without analysis:

The plus-money odds on -1.5 favorites look attractive, but remember that favorites only cover by 2 or more goals about 30-35 percent of the time. You need a specific reason to expect a blowout, not just a general opinion that one team is better.

Ignoring goaltender matchups:

Puck line outcomes are heavily influenced by goaltending. Betting a puck line without checking who is in net is guessing. A backup goalie changes the entire calculus of a puck line bet.

Overlooking schedule context:

Travel, back-to-backs, and rest days all affect how games play out. A team with 3 days rest against a team on the second night of a back-to-back has a structural advantage that increases blowout probability.

Treating -1.5 like a standard spread bet:

In football, covering a 3-point spread is expected. In hockey, covering 1.5 goals is not expected for the favorite. Approach puck line favorites as value bets, not standard wagers. Only bet them when the odds compensate you for the actual probability.

Ignoring empty net timing:

If you are live betting puck lines, remember that empty net goals in the final minutes can swing outcomes. A 2-1 game with 2 minutes left has a meaningful chance of becoming 3-1.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a puck line bet?

A puck line bet is hockey's version of the point spread. The standard puck line is fixed at 1.5 goals. The favorite is set at -1.5, meaning they must win by 2 or more goals. The underdog is set at +1.5, meaning they can lose by 1 goal or win outright and still cover. Unlike football spreads that change each game, the puck line stays at 1.5 with the odds adjusting instead.

What does puck line -1.5 mean?

Puck line -1.5 means you are betting on the favorite to win by at least 2 goals. If the favorite wins 4-2, 3-1, or any margin of 2 or more, the bet wins. If they win by exactly 1 goal (like 3-2 or 2-1), the bet loses even though they won the game. The -1.5 side typically carries plus-money odds because winning by 2 or more goals is challenging in hockey.

Is the puck line the same as a point spread?

The puck line is a type of point spread, but it differs from spreads in football and basketball. The key difference is that the puck line is fixed at 1.5 goals rather than varying by matchup. In football, you might see -3, -7, or -14 depending on the game. In hockey, the spread is always 1.5, and the sportsbook adjusts the odds rather than the number. The concept, betting on margin of victory, is the same.

What happens to puck line bets in overtime?

Puck line bets typically include overtime and shootout goals in the final score. If a game goes to overtime and ends 3-2, the -1.5 favorite did not cover and the +1.5 underdog did. Shootout wins count as a 1-goal margin. Always check your sportsbook's specific rules, as some markets may specify regulation time only.

Should I bet the puck line or the moneyline?

It depends on your confidence in the margin of victory. The moneyline is better when you simply think a team will win but are unsure about the margin. The puck line favorite (-1.5) is better when you expect a blowout and want plus-money odds instead of heavy juice. The puck line underdog (+1.5) is better when you think a team will keep it close but are not confident they win outright.

How often do NHL favorites cover the puck line?

NHL favorites cover the -1.5 puck line approximately 30-35 percent of the time across a full season. This rate varies based on the strength of the favorite, with heavy favorites covering slightly more often. The relatively low cover rate is why -1.5 odds are plus-money. Conversely, +1.5 underdogs cover about 65-70 percent of the time, which is reflected in their heavy juice.

What is an alternate puck line?

An alternate puck line is any spread other than the standard 1.5 goals. Common alternates include -2.5 (favorite wins by 3+), +2.5 (underdog loses by 2 or less), and -0.5 (essentially the moneyline). Wider alternates carry more extreme odds. A -2.5 puck line might be +300 while a +2.5 might be -400. Alternate puck lines let you adjust your risk and reward based on your game analysis.

What is a three-way puck line?

A three-way puck line uses a whole-number spread of 1 goal instead of 1.5 and introduces a tie option. The favorite must win by 2 or more goals, the underdog must win or tie, and the tie wins if the margin is exactly 1 goal. Three-way puck lines cover regulation time only, so overtime and shootout results do not affect the bet. This market can offer lower juice on favorites compared to the standard -1.5 line.

Do empty net goals count for puck line bets?

Yes, empty net goals count toward the final score for puck line bets. This is significant because teams trailing late in games pull their goaltender, often leading to an empty net goal that increases the winning margin. A game heading toward a 2-1 finish can become 3-1 after an empty netter, turning a non-covering result into a cover for the -1.5 favorite.