🏒NHL Betting 101: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Hockey Bet Types

Hockey betting can feel like skating uphill when you're first starting out. Between puck lines, power play props, and all those confusing goal bets, it's easy to get overwhelmed. But if you're a fan of fast-paced action, NHL betting is one of the most thrilling ways to test your sports IQ.

This guide simplifies the chaos. We'll cover every major type of hockey bet—what it means, when it matters, and how to use it wisely. Whether you're looking to casually bet on your favorite team or build a sharper system, this is your starter manual.

Here's what we’ll cover:

• Standard Game Bets

• Same Game Parlays (SGP)

• Period Bets

• Player Props

• Team Props

• Game Props

🧊 Standard Game Bets

These are the foundation of NHL betting. Simple bets based on outcomes and scores.

Bet Type	Meaning
Moneyline (To Win)	Bet on which team will win the game outright.
Puck Line (Spread, usually -1.5/+1.5)	Bet on a team to win by more than the spread or not lose by more than the spread.
Total Goals (Over/Under)	Bet on whether the total combined goals scored will be over or under a set number.
Alternate Puck Line / Total Goals	Adjusted spreads or totals with different odds for higher/lower thresholds.
Double Chance	Bet on two of the three possible outcomes: Win/Draw, Lose/Draw, or Win/Lose.
Draw No Bet	Bet on a team to win; if it's a draw, the bet is void/refunded.
60-Minute Line (Regulation Only)	Bet on the result after 3 periods (excluding OT/shootout).
Regulation Time Result (Home / Away / Draw)	Bet on the exact result at the end of regulation.
Game to Go to Overtime (Yes/No)	Predict whether the game will be tied at the end of regulation.
Game to Go to Shootout (Yes/No)	Bet on whether the game will reach a shootout.
Exact Total Goals	Bet on the exact number of total goals scored in the game.
Winning Margin	Bet on how many goals a team will win by (e.g., by 1, 2, 3+).
Odd/Even Total Goals	Bet whether the total number of goals will be odd or even.
Race to X Goals	Bet on which team will be the first to score a certain number of goals.
Team to Score First / Last	Bet on which team scores the first or last goal of the game.
Team to Win Each Period	Bet on a team to win all three periods individually.
Both Teams to Score X+ Goals	Bet that both teams will score a minimum number of goals (e.g., 2+).
Score in Every Period	Bet on whether at least one goal is scored in each of the three periods.

📌 You bet the Bruins -1.5 puck line vs. Flyers. Final score: 5-2 ✅ 🔹 You bet Total Goals Over 6.5. Final score: 3-2 ❌

🧩 Same Game Parlay (SGP)

Bundle multiple bets from the same game for better odds—but all parts must hit.

Bet Type	Meaning
SGP Mix	Combine multiple bets from a single game (e.g., moneyline + total goals + player to score). All legs must win.

📌 SGP: Oilers to win ✅ + McDavid Anytime Goal ✅ + Over 5.5 Goals ✅ = 💰 Winner! 🔹 SGP: Maple Leafs ML ✅ + Matthews 2+ Goals ❌ = ❌ Loss

🕒 Period Bets

Bet on individual periods rather than full games.

Bet Type	Meaning
1st / 2nd / 3rd Period Result	Bet on the winner of the specific period.
Period Total Goals	Bet on the total number of goals in a specific period.
Period Team Totals	Bet on how many goals a team scores in a specific period.
Period Both Teams to Score	Bet that both teams will score in the selected period.
Period Exact Score	Bet on the exact final score of a specific period.
Period Winner + Over/Under Combo	Combine picking the period winner with a total goals Over/Under in the same bet.

📌 You bet Avalanche to win 1st period. They lead 2-0 ✅ 🔹 You bet Period Both Teams to Score (2nd). Only one team scores ❌

🏒 Player Props – Skaters & Goalies

Focus on individual player performance.

Skaters

Bet Type	Meaning
Anytime Goalscorer	Bet on a player to score at any time during the game.
First/Last Goalscorer	Bet on a player to score the first or last goal.
2+ or Hat Trick	Bet on a player to score 2+ or 3+ goals.
Player Shots on Goal	Bet on how many shots a player takes.
Player Points (G+A)	Bet on total points (goals + assists).
Player Assists	Bet on total assists.
Power Play Points	Bet on points earned during power plays.
Penalty Minutes	Bet on how many minutes the player spends in the penalty box.
Hits / Blocks	Bet on hits or blocks (limited availability).

Goalies

Bet Type	Meaning
Total Saves	Bet on number of saves made.
Shutout (Yes/No)	Bet on whether a goalie allows zero goals.
Goals Allowed (O/U)	Bet on number of goals a goalie allows.

📌 You bet “Ovechkin Anytime Goal” vs. Penguins. He scores in 2nd period ✅ 🔹 You bet “Goalie Saves Over 30.5”. Ends with 29 ❌

🧢 Team Props

Bets that target overall team performance.

Bet Type	Meaning
Total Team Goals	Bet on how many goals a team will score.
Exact Team Goals	Bet on precise number of team goals.
Score in Every Period	Bet on at least one goal in each period.
Clean Sheet	Bet that a team allows 0 goals.
Win to Nil	Team wins and concedes 0 goals.
Score First & Win	Team scores first and wins.
Team Goals Odd/Even	Total team goals will be odd or even.
Win Both 1st & 2nd Periods	Team wins both opening periods.

📌 You bet Devils Total Team Goals Over 3.5. Final score: 4-1 ✅ 🔹 You bet Flames Score Every Period. They blank in the 2nd ❌

🎯 Game Props

These dive into how the game unfolds, beyond basic outcomes.

Bet Type	Meaning
Power Play Goals	Bet on goals scored during power plays.
Even Strength Goals	Bet on goals during 5-on-5.
First Goal Type	Predict if it’s even strength, PP, or SH.
Last Goal Type	Same as above, but for final goal.
Overtime Goal Type	Predict type of OT goal.
Total Power Plays	How many power plays occur in-game.
Total Penalty Minutes	Combined penalty minutes in the game.
Score Power Play Goal	Whether a specific team scores on the PP.

📌 You bet “First Goal = Power Play”. Capitals convert on PP ✅ 🔹 You bet “Over 20 Penalty Minutes”. Only 16 are recorded ❌

🧠 Pro Tip

Start slow and focus on Moneyline, Puck Line, and Total Goals. These three form your core. Before diving into props and parlays, learn how NHL teams perform in different situations:

• Do they dominate 5-on-5 or rely on power plays?

• Do they start fast or finish strong?

• Are certain goalies prone to letdowns on back-to-backs?

  
  

Track your bets, look for value (not just favorites), and avoid chasing losses. Same Game Parlays look tempting, but they’re low probability. Bet like a strategist, not a fan.

🔍 Final Thoughts

NHL betting is fast, intense, and deeply analytical once you dig in. You don’t need to know every advanced stat, but understanding bet types gives you a massive edge.

Start with the basics, pick one or two bet types to master, and build from there. Focus on teams you follow. Learn their patterns. Pay attention to goalie matchups and special teams. And most of all—stay disciplined.