NHL Betting Markets Explained: Puck Line, 3-Way & Overtime Rules

Quick overview

Hockey has its own vocabulary: puck lines instead of spreads, 3-way regulation lines, and an overtime-plus-shootout format that changes how many markets settle. This guide explains the main NHL markets and their usual rules. Exact settlement depends on your sportsbook, so always read its house rules. For current selections, see our NHL picks.

Overtime and shootouts: the rule behind everything

NHL regular-season games that are tied after 60 minutes go to a 5-minute 3-on-3 overtime, then a shootout. For settlement purposes, most books treat a shootout win as one goal added to the winner's score. Playoff games use unlimited 5-on-5 overtime with no shootout. Whether a market includes overtime depends on the market type — see each section below.

Moneyline (2-way, includes overtime)

Pick the team that wins the game by any method: regulation, overtime or shootout. There is no draw, so the bet always has a winner. This is the most common NHL market.

3-way line (60 minutes / regulation)

Like soccer's 1X2: home win, draw, away win, settled on regulation time only. If the game goes to overtime, the "draw" wins. Prices are longer than the moneyline because you lose the overtime safety net. Sometimes labeled "60-minute line" or "regulation time".

Puck line

The hockey spread, almost always -1.5 / +1.5:

• Favorite -1.5 — must win by 2 or more goals.
• Underdog +1.5 — wins if the underdog loses by exactly 1, or wins outright.

Because NHL games are low-scoring and often decided by one goal (empty-net goals included), the +1.5 underdog wins far more often than in other sports — and is priced accordingly. Alternate puck lines (-2.5, +2.5) are available at different prices. Most books include overtime and the shootout goal in puck-line settlement; a shootout win counts as a one-goal win, so -1.5 loses.

Total goals (over/under)

Combined goals by both teams. The line format decides whether a push is possible:

• Over 5.5 — needs 6 or more goals. No push possible.
• Over 5.0 (less common) — 6+ wins, exactly 5 pushes, 4 or fewer loses.
• "5+ goals" style yes/no markets win at 5 or more — the same outcome as Over 4.5.

Empty-net goals count. The shootout adds a maximum of one goal to the total at most books — a 3-3 game decided in a shootout settles as 4-3 (7 goals), not with every shootout conversion counted. Check your book's wording.

Team totals

Over/under on one team's goals, usually including overtime and the shootout goal. Useful when you expect one offense to exploit a backup goaltender or a tired defense.

Period markets

Most markets exist for each 20-minute period: period moneyline (often 3-way with a draw option), period totals and period puck lines. Periods exclude overtime entirely. "Highest scoring period" and "race to X goals" markets are also common.

Player props

Props settle on official league statistics:

• Points — goals plus assists.
• Goals and assists separately.
• Shots on goal — shots that would have gone in without a save, plus goals; blocked and missed shots don't count.
• Goalscorer markets — anytime, first and last goalscorer.
• Goalie props — saves, goals against.

The same line logic applies: Over 3.5 shots needs 4+; "4+ shots" wins at 4 or more; a whole-number line can push.

Player participation

Common rules — not universal:

• If a skater does not play, props are usually void. Once he takes one shift, the bet normally stands even if he leaves injured.
• For goalie props, many books void if the named goalie does not start. Confirming the starting goalie before betting is standard practice.
• Overtime stats normally count toward props; shootout goals and saves usually do not count for skaters or goalies.

Grand Salami and futures

The Grand Salami is an over/under on the total goals scored across all games on a given day. Season futures include Stanley Cup winner, conference and division winners, season point totals and awards. If a game in the Salami is postponed, many books void the market or settle on completed games — rules vary.

Next steps

• Price any combination with the parlay calculator.
• Check an NHL single or parlay with the AI Bet Analyzer.
• See verified selections on NHL picks.