Back
What is a Puck Line Bet in Hockey? | LeoVegas Sports Blog

Puck Line Betting: How It Works and Its Unique Features

Summary: A Puck Line Bet is a type of wagering option available when betting on ice hockey, where the favorite team is given a -1.5 goal head start, and the underdog team is given a +1.5 goal head start.

The purpose of the Puck Line is to even the odds between two teams, allowing bettors to back both teams with relatively equal chances of winning.

When betting on the Puck Line, the favorite team must win by two or more goals for the bet to be successful, while the underdog team can either win the game or lose by one goal for the bet to be successful.

Table of Contents:

The Puck Line is a betting option in hockey that works similarly to point spread bets in other sports. This betting format was introduced to address hockey's low-scoring nature and offer an alternative to traditional moneyline bets. Bettors often choose the puck line because it can provide better odds when betting on favourites or a safer margin when backing underdogs. In this guide, we’ll break down how Puck Line betting works and what to keep in mind before placing a wager.

Understanding the Mechanics of the Puck Line

In Puck Line betting, the favoured team (-1.5) has to win by at least two goals for a bet on them to pay out, while the underdog (+1.5) can either claim victory or lose by just one goal for their backers to win the wager. Odds associated with puck lines vary: wagering on a favourite to cover the -1.5 spread often offers higher payouts due to the increased risk, whereas backing an underdog at +1.5 may require a larger stake to achieve a comparable return.

For example, a $100 wager on a favourite at -1.5 with odds of +150 would yield a $150 profit as long as they win by at least two goals. Meanwhile, wagering $150 on an underdog at +1.5 with odds of -150 would result in a $100 profit if they win outright or lose by a single goal.

Factors Influencing Puck Line Bets

​When considering puck line bets in hockey, several key factors can influence the outcome:

  • Importance of Team Performance and Form: A team's recent performance plays a big role in Puck Line betting. Teams on a winning streak often have more confidence and momentum, while struggling teams may lack consistency. However, it's important not to rely solely on short-term results and consider the overall season performance and how the team fares against different types of opponents
  • Impact of Home and Away Games: Home teams often have an advantage because they are familiar with their rink, have the crowd's support, and avoid travel fatigue. On the other hand, away teams may struggle due to travel, different time zones, or playing in a hostile environment
  • Influence of Goalie Performance: A goalie can make or break a game, especially in Puck Line betting. A strong goaltender can keep the game close even if their team is outplayed, while a struggling goalie can lead to a blowout loss
  • Special Teams: Power Plays and Penalty Killing: Teams that excel on the power play (when they have a man advantage) are more likely to score extra goals, which helps cover the Puck Line. Meanwhile, teams with strong penalty-killing units can prevent opponents from capitalizing on their power plays
  • Scheduling and Travel Fatigue Considerations: Teams playing back-to-back games or travelling long distances may experience fatigue, which can affect their performance. If a team is playing their third game in four nights or has just come off a long road trip, they may not be as sharp

Strategies for Betting the Puck Line

Here are some strategies you can use for Puck Line betting:

Identifying Value in Puck Line Betting

To find value in puck line bets, compare the odds between the moneyline and the puck line. If a favourite's moneyline odds are too steep, the puck line might offer better value if the team can win by at least two goals. Alternatively, if an underdog is expected to keep the game close, taking them at +1.5 goals could be a stronger play.

Betting on Heavy Favourites vs. Close Matchups

When betting on heavy favourites, the moneyline odds can be unattractively low, making puck line bets more appealing. However, since a single goal decides many NHL games, favourites may not always cover the -1.5 spread. In close matchups, the likelihood of a one-goal game increases, so taking the underdog at +1.5 goals can be a safer option.

Situational Betting: Back-to-Back Games, Injuries, and More

When betting on heavy favourites, the moneyline odds can be too low to justify the risk, making puck line bets more appealing. Still, since many NHL games end in one-goal margins, favourites do not always cover -1.5. In close matchups, the chances of a one-goal game increase, making the +1.5 line on underdogs a safer choice.

Using Advanced Stats (Corsi, Fenwick, PDO)

Advanced metrics can help spot teams that are overperforming or underperforming:

  • Corsi (shot attempts) and Fenwick (unblocked shot attempts) measure possession and offensive pressure. Teams with high Corsi and Fenwick are more likely to sustain offensive control, making them stronger bets for -1.5
  • PDO (shooting percentage + save percentage) can indicate whether a team is overachieving or due for regression. A high PDO (above 100) may suggest a team is running hot and might cool down.

Hedging and Live Betting with the Puck Line

Hedging involves placing a secondary bet against your initial wager to secure a profit or limit losses. If you bet on a favourite at -1.5 pre-game but they start slow, you could place a live bet on the underdog's moneyline to reduce your risk.

Live betting allows you to adjust to game momentum, offering chances to hedge or find value based on how the match unfolds.

Puck Line Betting for Different Leagues

Puck Line betting is most common in the NHL, where every game is set at -1.5 for favourites and +1.5 for underdogs. In minor leagues, roster changes and inconsistent team performance make Puck Line betting more unpredictable, requiring extra research.

In minor leagues (like the AHL and ECHL) and international competitions (such as the KHL in Russia and SHL in Sweden), puck line betting is also available, but bettors should be aware of variations in playing styles and scoring patterns that can influence outcomes. For instance, European leagues often play on larger ice surfaces, potentially leading to higher-scoring games.

Betting on college (NCAA) and junior hockey leagues (OHL, WHL, QMJHL) is subject to regional laws and regulations. Where legal, puck line betting may be available, but it's less common and may have different structures or not be offered at all.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

In sports betting, common mistakes can hurt your chances of success. Here’s how to spot and avoid them:

Overvaluing Recent Performance

Bettors often fall into the trap of placing undue emphasis on a team's or player's recent successes, leading to misguided wagers. This bias, known as the hot-hand fallacy, stems from the belief that a short streak of positive outcomes will continue indefinitely. In reality, each game or event is independent, and past performance doesn't necessarily predict future results. To mitigate this, you should consider a broader range of data, including long-term performance metrics, opponent strength, and situational factors, rather than relying solely on recent outcomes.

Ignoring Key Injuries and Lineup Changes

Overlooking injuries or changes in team lineups can significantly impact the outcome of a game. A team's strength can be compromised if key players are absent or not at full fitness. Before placing a bet, always check the latest injury reports and confirm the starting lineups to ensure you're making an informed decision.

Betting Based on Fan Bias

It’s easy to let personal loyalty or emotional attachment influence betting decisions, but this can be costly. Just because you love a team doesn’t mean they’re a smart bet on the Puck Line. Always separate fandom from facts by using objective data like advanced stats, recent matchups, and betting odds rather than gut feelings or team loyalty.

Many bettors assume that if the betting line shifts or the public is overwhelmingly betting on one side, it must be the “right” pick. Instead of blindly following line movements, understand why the line is shifting. Is it due to sharp money, injury news, or just public hype? Analyzing the reasoning behind the movement can give you a significant edge.

Puck Line Bets FAQs

The following are answers to common queries regarding Puck Line betting:

What does +1.5 or -1.5 mean in Puck Line betting?

When you see -1.5 in Puck Line betting, it means the favoured team must win by at least 2 goals for your bet to win. On the other hand, +1.5 means the underdog must either win the game outright or lose by only 1 goal for your bet to be successful.

Is betting the Puck Line more profitable than the Moneyline?

It depends on the situation. The Moneyline bet is simply picking which team will win, regardless of the score difference. The Puck Line offers better odds (higher potential payouts) for favourites but comes with higher risk since they need to win by at least 2 goals. For underdogs, taking +1.5 on the Puck Line can provide a safer option with lower risk, but at reduced odds compared to the Moneyline.

How do overtime and shootouts affect Puck Line bets?

If a game goes to overtime or a shootout, the Puck Line bet is locked in at that point. Since all overtime and shootout wins are counted as a 1-goal victory, a team with -1.5 on the Puck Line loses the bet, while a team with +1.5 wins automatically.

Can I combine Puck Line bets with other sports in a parlay?

Yes, you can combine Puck Line bets with bets from other sports in a parlay. This allows you to link multiple wagers across different events into a single bet. However, for the parlay to be successful, all individual bets within it must win. While parlays can lead to higher payouts due to the increased risk, they also come with a greater chance of losing, as one incorrect prediction results in the entire parlay losing. ​

Does the puck line include overtime?

Yes, the puck line applies to the overall game - so that includes any overtime as well as shootouts.

How does puck line betting work?

Puck line betting is a way to bet on the point spread of a hockey game. The puck line represents the number of goals that one team must win by or the number of goals that the other team must lose by in order for the bet to be a winner. To place a puck line bet, you must choose a team and bet on whether they will cover the puck line or not. Puck line betting is typically offered in addition to moneyline betting, which allows bettors to bet on the outright winner of the game.

What is an Asian puck line?

Asian puck line, also known as ‘handicap’ puck line, is a type of puck line betting that is popular in Asia and other parts of the world. In an asian puck line bet, the puck line is set at a whole number rather than a half number, and the odds are adjusted accordingly. For example, an asian puck line of +1.0 for Team A and -1.0 for Team B would mean that Team A must win the game by at least two goals for the bet to be a winner, and Team B must win the game by at least two goals for the bet to be a winner. Asian puck line betting is similar to traditional puck line betting, but the odds and payouts may be slightly different.

What’s the better bet — moneyline or puck line?

The better bet will depend on your personal preferences and the specific game that you are betting on. Moneyline betting is a straightforward way to bet on the outright winner of the game, while puck line betting allows you to bet on the point spread.

Some bettors may prefer the simplicity of moneyline betting, while others may enjoy the added excitement and strategic elements of puck line betting. Ultimately, the choice between moneyline and puck line betting is a personal decision and will depend on your goals and risk tolerance as a bettor.

What are alternate puck lines?

Alternate puck lines are a type of betting option in hockey that allows bettors to adjust the point spread beyond the standard 1.5 goals. Here are some key points about alternate puck lines:

By alternating the 1.5-goal spread between the favourite and the underdog, you get a whole new set of moneyline odds.

With a traditional "puck line", bettors can bet on the outcome of a game, but with one team being "given" 1.5 goals, and the other team having 1.5 goals taken. An alternate puck line gives you other options beyond the standard 1.5.

The alternate puck line bumps the point spread from 1.5 to 2.5 goals. So the favourite has to win the game by three or more goals, and the underdog has to lose by two goals or less for the bet to win.

Alternate lines allow you to give away runs or points (on the spread) in order to receive a better payout. For example, in baseball, the team that is favoured may have a run line of -1.5, but an alternate run line could be -2.5 or -3.5.