The NHL is one of four major sports leagues in the United States, also making it one of the most popular for sports bettors.
With each team playing 82 games per season, there are countless NHL betting markets available to fans including puck line, moneyline, totals, game props, player props, and more.
But which NHL betting site is the best?
To answer that question, we’ve spent countless hours analyzing sportsbooks that offer NHL betting to find the 5 that we think are the very best.
In this guide, you can read a bit about these top NHL sportsbooks, get familiar with the basics of NHL betting, and learn some strategies that can increase your chances of winning.
Best NHL Betting Sites
To find the best NHL betting sites, we compared all major, legal sportsbooks in the U.S. on odds, promotions, range of markets, user experience, and other key aspects.
While we order the sportsbooks based on our overall rating, it’s important to compare them to see which matches your personal needs.
For example, if you want the best intro promo, your best option may be different than if you want the best odds.
Best NHL Betting Sites:
- FanDuel: Best Overall
- Caesars: Best for NHL Futures
- BetMGM: Best NHL Betting Variety
- BetRivers: Best Moneyline Odds
- DraftKings: Best Player Props
1) FanDuel Sportsbook: Best Overall
Best NHL betting features: Specials & odds
I use FanDuel for NHL betting more than any other sportsbook because they deliver on all the areas that matter—odds, user experience, betting variety, and promos.
My months-long odds analysis across all the major books shows that FanDuel has the best overall pricing in the industry. That doesn’t mean they always have the best odds for every NHL game, but they’re definitely a must-check when you’re line shopping.
FanDuel has a stacked NHL betting program, and a few markets always grab my attention. They’ve got unique seasonal specials, like “Alex Ovechkin to score his 895th goal in the 2024-25 season” and “which team will he face when he reaches that milestone.” On top of that, they’ve got fun daily specials, like “player with the most shots on goal” or “every game with 5+ goals scored.”
The Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins intro promo for new customers is also one of the best currently available. FanDuel will refund you in bonus bets up to $150. You only have 14 days to use the bonus bets but you only have to bet them once before you can withdraw any winnings.
The welcome bonus is FanDuel’s headline offer for NHL bettors, but it’s far from the only one. Throughout the season, they roll out plenty of promos—though most are focused on parlays, which isn’t exactly my favorite bet type. You’ll find parlay boosts, parlay insurance deals, and more.
FanDuel Research has become a key part of my pre-bet routine. Their in-house tipsters share picks supported by detailed analysis in this analytics hub. Even if you don’t follow their advice, the stats they provide are incredibly useful. For instance, they’ll break down Pittsburgh Penguins’ expected-goals-for percentage or show how many high-danger chances the Blue Jackets have generated lately. That kind of insight would take ages to find on your own.
That said, not everything at FanDuel is perfect. What bugs me is how much they push parlays. Their parlay hubs and builders are everywhere on the platform, and most of their promo resources are focused on parlays.
FanDuel Sportsbook Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 94/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Bet $5, Get $150 Bonus If Your Bet Wins
- Best Features: Odds competitiveness, market variety
- Biggest Drawbacks: No sportsbook rewards program, not many daily odds boosts
- Number of Sports: 21+
- Payout Speed: Up to 5 business days (typically faster)
- Rewards Program: DFS & Casino only
2) Caesars Sportsbook: Best for NHL Futures
Best NHL betting features: Futures & odds boosts
Caesars is on my shortlist for NHL betting because they offer great odds on straight bets, have a super easy-to-use app, and provide a fantastic selection of futures bets.
When it comes to straight bets—puck line, moneyline, and totals—Caesars often has some of the best odds among major sportsbooks. That alone is reason enough to keep them in your betting rotation.
They really stack the deck with futures markets. From standard Stanley Cup and conference winner odds to whether a team will make the playoffs, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into. They've also priced up all the important trophies—including the Jack Adams, Art Ross, Vezina, and more.
My favorite futures are the over/under lines for regular season points, which they have for every NHL team.
Caesars is also worth checking out for their odds boosts. A good portion of their daily lineup is dedicated to NHL markets, and every now and then, you can stumble upon some real value plays—not just powered-up longshots.
My biggest gripe with Caesars is that they sometimes drag out payouts a few days longer than other books. It's not a huge deal, but those less patient than me might find it a bit annoying.
Caesars Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 93/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Bet $1, Get 2x Winnings on Next 20 Bets
- Best Features: Loyalty program, user-friendly UX
- Biggest Drawbacks: Slower payout speeds, sluggish customer service
- Number of Sports: 23+
- Payout Speed: Up to 72 hours
- Rewards Program: Caesars Rewards
3) BetMGM: Best NHL Betting Variety
Best NHL betting features: Tools & market depth
BetMGM runs the most versatile NHL betting program out there—and yes, that includes FanDuel and DraftKings. They back it up with strong NHL moneyline odds, creative promos, and a set of features that can really elevate your betting decisions.
For every NHL matchup, BetMGM lays out an impressive range of game and player props. You’ll see options like first goalscorer, player to score 2+ goals, player powerplay points, and time of the first goal, just to name a few.
If period betting is more your thing, BetMGM has you covered there too. You can bet on markets like both teams to score, the team to score the first goal in a specific period, or even double chance bets for added flexibility.
Once you join BetMGM, you’ll be eligible for a Second Chance Bet Up to $1,500 welcome bonus. You don’t need a BetMGM bonus code to claim this offer.
Promos for NHL bettors don’t stop at the welcome offer. One of their coolest ongoing promos is the Hat Trick Jackpot. Place a $10+ wager on the anytime goal scorer market, and if your skater scores 3+ goals, you’ll get a share of a $10K prize pool in bonus bets.
Now for the downsides. BetMGM’s issues have less to do with their NHL offerings and more with the platform itself. The desktop site feels slower compared to competitors, and the app has its quirks. I sometimes have to double-tap NHL bets to get them to register, along with other minor bugs that can get annoying.
BetMGM Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 84/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets
- Best Features: Edit My Bet, NFL rewards
- Biggest Drawbacks: Quickly limits sharps, UX can be a bit buggy
- Number of Sports: 19+
- Payout Speed: Up to 24 hours
- Rewards Program: MGM Rewards
4) BetRivers: Best Moneyline Odds
Best NHL betting features: Odds & betting variety
BetRivers has the best NHL moneyline odds among major sportsbooks—hands down. My months-long analysis backs it up. But there are a few other solid reasons to consider them for NHL betting, with market depth being a standout.
I love when sportsbooks get creative with props because these bets aren’t just “for fun”—they can uncover serious value. A great example is BetRivers’ time intervals bet, where you can wager on whether a goal will be scored in the first 5 or 10 minutes of play. It’s a great option if you know a team that likes to come out swinging early.
They also offer a deep selection of player props, and one of my favorite options is the multi-goal player market. You can bet on players like Alex Ovechkin or Brock Boeser to score 2+ goals—a fun way to back star players when you’re expecting a breakout performance.
BetRivers has also stepped up its analytics game, providing valuable insights for every NHL matchup in their “tips” section. For instance, in a recent Capitals vs. Canucks game, I found a stat showing the Capitals had won each of their last seven games following an overtime contest. That’s not the kind of info I’d typically think to look for, let alone easily find on my own.
You’ll find even more of these details in their “streaks” section. For that same game, I saw a stat that the Canucks had covered the puck line as road underdogs against Metropolitan Division teams in 10 straight games.
My main criticism of BetRivers revolves around functionality. The constant pop-ups after logging in to show promotions are frustrating. Add to that random connectivity bugs, and the overall experience can feel clunky at times.
BetRivers Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 82/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Second chance bet up to $500 depending on state
- Best Features: Fast payouts, competitive teaser and soccer odds
- Biggest Drawbacks: Functionality issues, limits successful bettors quickly
- Number of Sports: 29+
- Payout Speed: Up to 5 business days (usually within a day)
- Rewards Program: iRush Rewards
5) DraftKings: Best Player Props
Best NHL betting features: Player props & stats hub
DraftKings rounds out my list of the best sportsbooks for NHL betting, and it’s every bit as strong an option as the others—if not better in some ways. What stands out most to me are their market variety, user experience, and promos.
When it comes to player props, DraftKings is a goldmine. For key stats like points, assists, and shots on target, they offer both milestone options (1+, 2+, 3+, etc.) and over/under formats.
I’m also a big fan of their daily specials. You can bet on things like the highest-scoring game of the day or which team will put up the most goals. They even throw in goalie props, like betting on the Avalanche to win with a shutout—great if you’ve got a read on a hot goalie.
DraftKings also delivers on promos, starting with their welcome bonus: bet $5, get $200. During the season, you’ll find parlay boosts and odds boost tokens that you can apply to a matchup of your choice, giving you the flexibility to power up the bets you’re most confident in.
Like BetRivers, DraftKings features a stats hub highlighting key details and trends you might not catch on your own. For example, in an Avalanche vs. Blackhawks matchup, I found a nugget showing Teuvo Teravainen had at least one assist in six of the Blackhawks’ last seven home games. It’s the kind of insight that can tilt a bet in your favor.
The biggest letdown with DraftKings is their odds, which often lag behind other sportsbooks on this list for NHL games. They’re not bad across the board, but if you’re hunting for the best value, you’ll usually find it elsewhere.
DraftKings Sportsbook Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 84/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Bet $5, get $300 in bonus bets + $200 off NFL Sunday Ticket
- Best Features: Market depth, profit boost tokens
- Biggest Drawbacks: Odds not always competitive, quickly limit winners
- Number of Sports: 25+
- Payout Speed: Up to 5 business days
- Rewards Program: Dynasty Rewards
Best Sign-Up Bonuses from NHL Betting Sites
Below you can see the intro bonuses for new customers from all of the sportsbooks that we’ve reviewed that offer NHL betting. As sportsbooks update their intro promos, we will update this guide so you can always find the best offers available.
Must be 21+ in most states. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. See full responsible gambling disclaimer here.
Sportsbook | States | Sign Up Bonus* | Code |
|---|---|---|---|
AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MA MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY | Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins | Not needed | |
AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, NV, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY | Bet $1, Get 2x Winnings on Next 20 Bets | OA20X | |
AZ, CO, FL, IN, IA, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, NV, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY | Second Chance Bet Up to $1,500** | ODDS100 | |
CO, IA, KY, LA, NJ, NC, OH, VA, TN, IL | Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets | Not needed | |
AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, LA, MA, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV | Second Chance Bet Up to $500 | ODDS1 | |
AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, WY. | Bet & Get Up to $2k in FanCash | Not needed | |
NJ, PA | 100% Deposit Match Up to $1,000 | Not Needed | |
PA | Second Chance Bet Up to $500 | ODDS1 | |
AZ, CO, IA, NJ, VA | Up to $100 Cash Back | ASSIST | |
AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY | Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets + $200 off NFL Sunday Ticket | Not needed | |
AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, NJ, NC, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV | Bet $10, Get $100 in Bonus Bets | Not needed | |
AZ, FL, IL, IN, NJ, TN, OH, VA | Bet $5, Get $150 Bonus If Your Bet Wins | Not needed | |
NV | First Bet Match Up to $250 | Not needed |
*May vary by state.
**Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms.
How We Rate NHL Basketball Betting Sites
Picking the right sportsbook doesn’t have to be a hassle. At Odds Assist, we’re here to simplify the process with objective and transparent ratings you can rely on. Our Editorial Ratings are regularly updated to reflect new features, promotional changes, and platform improvements from sportsbooks.
Each sportsbook we review is thoroughly evaluated, with thousands of data points analyzed across 12 key categories to give you the full picture. Here’s what we focus on:
- Odds (20/100): Focuses on how competitive the odds are for NHL markets, like puck lines, moneylines, and totals, with an emphasis on vig and overall value.
- Sign-Up Bonus (15/100): Breaks down the size of the welcome offer and how fair the terms are—looking at things like rollover requirements, expiration windows, and restrictions.
- User Experience (UX) (15/100): Rates the sportsbook’s layout, speed, and how easy it is to find NHL lines, props, and features. Extras like biometric login and a smooth app experience are factored in too.
- Features (7.5/100): Looks at NHL-specific tools like Same Game Parlays, live streaming, cash-out options, and other unique betting features that add value.
- Market Depth (7.5/100): Evaluates the variety of NHL bets available, from player props and alternate lines to futures (like Stanley Cup and playoff spots) and niche markets like goalie props.
- Customer Reviews (5/100): Takes into account real user feedback from platforms like Google Play, the App Store, and online forums to get a sense of overall satisfaction.
- Live Betting (5/100): Focuses on live odds for NHL games, including micro-betting options (e.g., next goal or shots in a period) and access to live streaming.
- Promotions (5/100): Looks at NHL-specific promos like parlay boosts, odds boost tokens, and loyalty rewards tailored for hockey bettors.
- Support (5/100): Rates the responsiveness and reliability of customer service across live chat, email, phone, and social media channels.
- Odds Boosts (5/100): Evaluates how often NHL odds boosts are offered and whether they cover marquee matchups or smaller markets.
- Limits (5/100): Checks how quickly winning NHL bettors face limits and whether those restrictions are reasonable.
- Banking (5/100): Rates deposit and withdrawal options, plus how quickly payouts are processed for NHL bettors.
To learn more, check out our full Ratings Methodology page.
What to Look for in an NHL Betting Website
With this list of top NHL betting sites, all you need to do is just choose one or several based on your preferences. All sportsbooks have great coverage of all NHL teams. However, we understand that you may wish to search for the best NHL sportsbook by yourself, which is why we’ll also give you some pointers on what to look for when doing so.
Legal and Licensed in the State Where You’ll Be Betting
The first thing you should consider is your location. More and more states are legalizing online sports betting as we write this, but not all of the top sportsbooks are available in every regulated state.
In other words, your options will be different whether you’re located in New Jersey, Arizona, Connecticut, or any other state. It’s also important to remember that you don’t have to be a resident of the state where you bet, you just have to be physically present there when you’re placing bets.
You should also make sure that you meet the legal sports betting age requirements in your state.
One thing you should never do is choose offshore sportsbooks like Bovada. While these betting sites might lure you in with their attractive promotions, they are usually unregulated and considered illegal in many states. This presents a high risk of not only being stripped of your winnings and exposing your personal information but getting into legal trouble.
Competitiveness of Odds
Naturally, the odds will determine your potential payout and long-term profitability, so you should invest some time in searching for the best ones.
Take several games and compare their odds on several sportsbooks available in your state (as we’ve done to create this guide). If you notice which sportsbooks offer the best odds most of the time, it'll be easier to make your pick.
You are free to make accounts on as many different sportsbooks, which you should most definitely do to shop for the best NHL odds and lines for any game. Just because one book offers the best NHL odds, on average, doesn’t mean they will always have the best odds for any single game.
Intro Promo for New Customers
Almost every online sportsbook in the U.S. has an welcome offer that gives you a chance to earn/win extra money right off the bat.
Of course, these promos can be vastly different from each other, so do a little bit of comparing before making your choice.
The most common types of sports betting offers are bonus bets (which are the best but rare) that give you a bonus bet simply for signing up, deposit bonuses (which are the next-most preferable) which match your deposit by a certain percentage, no-sweat (refund) bets that give you a bonus bet only if your first bet loses, and bet & get offers where you get bonus bets just for making your first bet.
Don’t just consider the type, though. You should also consider the possible total value while factoring in how much you are comfortable depositing or betting on your first wager.
Ongoing Promotions and Odds Boosts
While getting the best possible intro bonus is important, you need to think ahead and see what you can take advantage of on an ongoing basis.
It’s crucial to check the sportsbooks’ full range of promotions and see how often you can get odds boosts, bonus bets, parlay insurance, and other things that can help you win extra money.
Since you are looking for the best NHL betting site, see if any promotions relate specifically to NHL games.
User Experience on the App or Website
If you plan on betting on your mobile device, make sure that the sportsbook has an app compatible with your device. Check how each app behaves, how quickly it loads, whether there are any recurring bugs, and whether you are pleased with its interface and navigation.
If you plan to bet on desktop, be sure to check out the full website as well.
Types of Wagers Offered
All major sportsbooks will offer dozens of wagers for every NHL game. Still, some go beyond the usual the most common types of sports bets and allow you to bet on various props, alternate lines, and other special wagers.
Depending on what types of wagers you prefer, you should choose a sportsbook accordingly.
Live Betting Options
If you enjoy live betting, check what each betting site has to offer in that regard. Check the number of live markets and see if live cash-outs are available (which almost every major book now offers).
Deposit and Withdrawal Options and Speed
Another thing you must consider is the available banking methods for depositing and withdrawing. Make sure the sportsbook you go with offers the option that you prefer to use.
If you wish to claim your winnings as soon as possible, check out our list of the fastest payout sportsbooks.
How to Bet on NHL Games
Those who already have online sportsbook accounts know the drill, but if you are yet to make your first NHL wager, here are the steps you need to go through:
- Pick a sportsbook that is legal in the state you plan on betting in.
- Register an account by filling out the registration form with information such as your name, address, and last 4 digits of your SSN.
- Go to the deposit page and complete your first payment using one of the available banking options.
- Claim the intro promo but make sure you understand how to use it (minimum deposit, bonus code, qualifying bet, rollover, etc.).
- Go to the sportsbook’s hockey tab and choose NHL.
- Browse through all the available options and click on desired markets to start adding to your bet slip.
- Input your wager amount and place a bet.
States Where You Can Legally Bet on the NHL
Here are all of the states that currently offer legal NHL betting online, in-person, or both:
State | Online | In-Person |
|---|---|---|
Yes | Yes | |
Arkansas | No | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | |
Connecticut | Yes | Yes |
Yes | Yes | |
District of Columbia | Yes | Yes |
Yes | Yes | |
| Yes | Yes | |
| Yes | Yes | |
Yes | Yes | |
Kansas | Yes | Yes |
Yes | Yes | |
Maine | Yes | Yes |
Maryland | Yes | Yes |
Massachusetts | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | |
Mississippi | No | Yes |
Montana | No | Yes |
Nebraska | No | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | |
| Yes | Yes | |
| Yes | Yes | |
New Mexico | No | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | |
North Carolina | Yes | Yes |
Yes | Yes | |
| Yes | Yes | |
| Yes | Yes | |
| Yes | Yes | |
South Dakota | No | Yes |
| Yes | No | |
| Yes | Yes | |
Washington | No | Yes |
Yes | Yes | |
Yes | No |
Types of Bets You Can Make on NHL Games
Here are the most common types of bets associated with NHL games:
- NHL puck line. A puck line is a spread bet specific to hockey. Since hockey is a low-scoring sport, you can expect the puck line to always be at +/-1.5.
- NHL moneyline. The moneyline is the most basic hockey bet that allows you to simply predict the winner of the game.
- NHL three-way moneyline. Three-way moneyline bets allow you to also decide on the game just based in regulation. For example, you can choose the Flyers to win by the end of the third period, the Penguins to win, or it to be tied.
- NHL total bets (over/under). Also called the Over/Under, total bets allow you to predict whether the combined number of goals will be over or under a given line.
- NHL parlays. Parlays allow you to combine multiple bets from different NHL games into a single bet. You must hit each bet for the parlay to win, but you receive a much higher payout if it hits than you would by betting each game individually.
- NHL same game parlays. Same game parlays allow you to combine sides, totals, and prop bets from the same game into a single parlay. See which sportsbooks offer same game parlays here.
- NHL teasers. Teasers are a form of parlay that allow you to adjust the lines in your favor, in exchange for a lower profit.
- NHL game props. Game props relate to specific occurrences during an NHL game not necessarily related to the final score, like whether both teams will score, whether there will be overtime, when the game will end, correct score after 60 minutes, and more.
- NHL player props. Player props are a set of over/under bets for specific players, guessing their total number of goals, assists, saves, Power Play points, and more.
- NHL round robin. A round robin bet allows you to create a number of small parlays from a number of selections. For instance, if you think the Penguins, Golden Knights, and Avalanche will win, you can automatically create 3 individual parlays including the Penguins + Golden Knights, Penguins + Avalanche, and Golden Knights + Avalanche.
- NHL futures. Future bets allow you to predict the winner of the Stanley Cup, Hart Memorial Trophy, Art Ross Trophy, and other season rewards and achievements.
How to Make Money Betting on the NHL
Just like with wagering on any sport, making money on NHL betting is no easy task. The NHL is a vastly popular league, and oddsmakers have plenty of data to work with, thus leaving little to no room for outsmarting them and finding value.
That said, there are many people who turn profits betting on the NHL, and you have the potential of being one of them if you do your research.
Percent of NHL Bets You Have to Win to Make Money
Like most sports, hockey is full of 50/50 bets that typically come with the standard odds of -110 on each side.
Now, the outcome of these wagers can go either one way or the other, but you will never get an even money payout. Instead, your $100 bet on odds of -110 will win you a $91 profit. The remaining $9 is the sportsbook’s juice or vig, which is what they charge in order to take your bet.
Taking that into account, it’s not enough for you to win slightly more than 50% of your 50/50 wagers to see a long-term profit. Instead, you can only make money if you win at least 52.38% of such bets.
You can learn more about this and how to read betting odds here.
Deciding Between Betting the Puck Line and Moneyline
Puck line and moneyline are the two most popular NHL bets. The former implies guessing which team will cover the spread of 1.5, while the latter lets you simply predict the winning side.
Which of these two bets is a better choice depends on the game in question. When two sides are unevenly matched, the moneyline becomes a rather unattractive bet, as betting on the heavy favorite implies low odds, while backing the underdog comes with high risk.
In such a scenario, the puck line would be much more interesting, as it will give 1.5 points to the underdog and subtract the same number of points from the favorite, thus evening out the playfield and creating a better balance between odds and their implied risk.
Alternatively, when there’s no clear-cut favorite, moneyline presents a good choice. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should neglect the puck line, as it will still give you the option to make a safer or riskier bet, depending on your preferences.
It’s important to keep open-net goals in mind when betting on the NHL. Even if a game is tied through most of the third period, it can quickly change to a 2-goal differential if a team pulls their goalie.
Tips for Betting the NHL
Here are a few general tips to keep in mind when making your next NHL wager:
- Take advantage of the welcome offer. If you’re new to a betting site, always claim its intro promo that will usually consist of a no-sweat bet, bet & get, or deposit match. By doing this, you have a good chance of starting off your NHL betting career with a positive balance.
- Use odds boosts and other promos. Odds boosts give you extended odds on certain NHL markets, increasing the expected value of the bet. There also may be promos that you have to opt into that increase your payout. Before placing any bets, be sure to check if there are any odds boosts or promos you can take advantage of.
- Manage your bankroll. Set up a bankroll and try to stick to it. Never wager more than you have set out to, and try to divide your bankroll as evenly as possible, wagering 1% to 5% of your total per bet.
- Shop around for the best lines and odds. It’s smart to always use at least a few sportsbooks so you can compare the odds on a game before placing your bet. For example, FanDuel may have the Capitals at -160 to win and DraftKings might have them at -140. In this case, you should go with DraftKings.
- Check out the statistics. Looking into stats is the best way to make a knowledgeable NHL bet. Crunch the numbers to see if you can notice any trends that may apply to the game you plan to bet on.
- Check the injury reports. See if any major players will miss the game due to an injury. If you pick up on this information before the sportsbooks do, you’ll be able to find great value. Even if you don’t beat the sportsbook, it can help you determine the chance you think a team will win/cover, therefore helping you decide if the bet has value or not.
- Choose your games wisely. Don’t wager on every NHL game you see. Instead, carefully sift through the available matchups to see if you can notice where the lines might be off.
- Avoid constantly betting on your favorite team. You may bet on games involving your favorite team, but only if you can leave your heart out of it. It’s easy to get overconfident that your team will win and to make poor bets on them.
- Don’t chase after losses. If you hit a rough patch, don’t try to make up for it by betting more and more, as this is a recipe for disaster. Always try to stick to your bankroll, regardless of whether you’re on a winning or losing streak, and be sure to gamble responsibly.
- Exploit goalie matchups with advanced metrics: Focus on advanced metrics like save percentage on high-danger shots (HD Sv%) and expected goals against (xGA). These stats can reveal mismatches, especially in games featuring high-scoring teams or weak defensive setups. Check resources like MoneyPuck to find the edge.
- Bet against teams on extended road trips: Teams often underperform at the end of long road trips due to fatigue and travel. Look for teams on the final leg of a 4-5 game trip, especially in back-to-backs. Betting on the opponent’s puck line or team total unders for the road team can pay off.
- Target undervalued Powerplay props: Powerplay efficiency is a key driver in NHL scoring but is often overlooked in prop markets. Teams with strong powerplay units going against penalty-prone opponents can provide value for props like “player to record a powerplay point” or “team total goals over.” Look for refs with a history of calling many penalties per game, as they can swing these markets. This works especially well in matchups where special teams play a significant role.
