Puck Line
Hockey's version of the point spread, typically set at ±1.5 goals.
The puck line is the point spread equivalent in NHL hockey, almost always set at 1.5 goals. Betting the favorite on the puck line (-1.5) means they must win by 2 or more goals. The underdog (+1.5) covers if they win outright or lose by exactly 1 goal.
Puck Line Odds
Because most NHL games are decided by 1 goal, puck lines come with adjusted odds. A -200 moneyline favorite is often priced around +120 on the puck line, because winning by 2 is much harder than just winning. The underdog puck line (+1.5) usually carries steep negative odds, often -180 to -250, because so many games are decided by one goal.
Puck Line vs. Moneyline
The moneyline is the most popular hockey bet because low-scoring games mean spreads are less reliable. The puck line is where you go for a better price on a strong favorite, or a one-goal cushion on an underdog.
Key Takeaways
- Puck line is always ±1.5 goals in NHL betting.
- Favorite -1.5 must win by 2+ goals to cover.
- Underdog +1.5 covers even with a 1-goal loss.
Examples
- Bruins -1.5 (-130): Bruins must win by 2+ goals.
- Leafs +1.5 (-145): Leafs cover if they win or lose by 1.
Related Terms
Test Your Knowledge
1 / 4Do you know what Run Line means?
Baseball's version of the point spread, typically set at ±1.5 runs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the puck line almost always 1.5?
Hockey is low scoring and most games are decided by one or two goals, so 1.5 is the natural dividing line. Books adjust the odds instead of moving the number.
How do shootouts affect puck line bets?
The shootout winner is credited with one goal, so a shootout game always ends with a 1-goal margin. A -1.5 favorite cannot cover, and +1.5 always does.