It’s no secret that sports fans in Canada love the National Hockey League, and with sports betting legal in places such as Ontario, the NHL is sure to see tons of betting action.
Today’s NHL betting odds
There are plenty of regulated sportsbooks in Ontario with odds for every game on the NHL schedule each day. Below, we help you compare odds from various betting sites to get the best price possible:
Thanks to betting expansion in Canada, bettors are able to access a wide variety of markets for every NHL game from the standard moneylines and puck lines to player props, and everything in between.
As an added bonus, you can qualify for welcome offers at promos at Ontario betting sites to help get you started the right way. Our complete guide to NHL betting will cover everything you need to know. From the top places to play to all of the ways to wager to where you can find the best odds, it’s all here.
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How to bet on hockey online
When you visit an online sportsbook during hockey season and find the NHL section, you will immediately be able to see the displayed moneyline, puck line, and total. The below example is what you will see at a sportsbook, though we have provided both American and decimal odds.
| Teams | Puck Line | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto Maple Leafs | -1.5 (+120/2.20) | -200/1.74 | Over 6.5 (-115/1.87) |
| Ottawa Senators | +1.5 (-150/1.67) | +160/2.15 | Under 6.5 (-105/1.95) |
What’s above are the three most common and conventional bet types out there, so it’s a perfect place to start. Here are all of them briefly explained:
- Moneyline: Pick the winner of the game. Three-way moneylines are available as 60-minute lines that only cover regulation (no overtime or shootouts).
- Puck Line: Akin to the point spread, this is -1.5 for favourites and +1.5 for underdogs. The prices will vary similar to an MLB odds on the run line.
- Total: Choose over or under for the total number of goals set by oddsmakers.
While these are the easiest bets to learn and keep track of, and may very well make up most of your wagers, the offerings go so much deeper. Notably with props, which the big-name sportsbooks such as FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM will have plenty of.
NHL prop betting
On top of the traditional markets, some Canadian sportsbooks have a full menu of prop bets, which are basically anything outside of the moneyline, spread, and total. There are some props that may use the ultimate result of the game as part of the wager, but it will always be combined with something that doesn’t have to do with the final score.
Props are generally broken down into the following categories: player, game, and team, with the former being the most popular. Below, we’ll get into all three.
Player props
NHL player props are pretty self-explanatory, as they are just like you’d see in the NFL or NBA. These markets are focused on individual stats and are usually presented as over/under or yes/no bets. You’ll commonly come across the following:
- Goals (First, Last, Anytime)
- Assists
- Total Points
- Shots On Goal
- Goalie Saves/Shutout
Since goals aren’t so easy to come by in the NHL, predicting a goal scorer (specifically the first or last one of the game) can come with a pretty lucrative payout. Most props for total points or shots on goal will be a bit more modest but will range similar to a conventional moneyline would.
Game props
Game props don’t have to do with specific players or teams, but whether or not a specific occurrence will take place in the game. At sportsbooks like DraftKings with tons of prop betting options, that could include:
- 60-Minute Total Goals & Correct Score
- Goal In First 10 Minutes Of Game? (Yes/No)
- 1st Period Moneyline (2-way & 3-way)
- 1st Total Goals First 10 Minutes
- Period Alternate Total Goals (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
- Highest Scoring Period
- Winning Margin
- Will There Be Overtime? (Yes/No)
If you’re aiming for the largest payout possible, try taking an alternate total for a specific period, or nailing the correct score of the game. Both are difficult but have longer odds. Betting on whether there will be a goal in the first 10 minutes is also an exciting way to wager without having to sit down for a whole game.
Team props
Team props are, as you can guess, markets that deal neither with individual player statistics nor in-game occurrences. These have to do specifically with the stats of one team or another, including team total goals (full game and regulation only) along with picking the first and/or the last team to score in a game. Depending on the sportsbook, bettors may also be able to pick one specific team to win in a shutout as well.
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NHL Parlays
Most sportsbooks will have markets available that combine the moneyline or puck line with the total in a pseudo same-game parlay. Both aspects will have to hit in order for you to win the bet, but the payouts are increased because of that. Using our example, you’d be able to bet on the following:
- Toronto ML & Over 6.5 (+145)
- Toronto ML & Under 6.5 (+185)
- Toronto -1.5 & Over 6.5 (+290)
- Toronto -1.5 & Under 6.5 (+360)
- Montreal ML & Over 6.5 (+370)
- Montreal ML & Under 6.5 (+450)
- Montreal +1.5 & Over 6.5 (+190)
- Montreal +1.5 & Under 6.5 (+225)
Outside of these options provided by the sportsbook, bettors can also choose the same-game parlay feature at any given site and choose the exact combination they prefer. Since there are multiple elements, the odds will always improve, but how much depends on the exact odds and number of selections.
NHL alternate lines
In addition to the puck lines and totals that are displayed naturally, mobile sportsbooks also offer alternative options for both of those markets. Back to our example, if you think Toronto is in for a blowout victory, you could take the favourite at -2.5 or -3.5 goals for a larger payout.
On the other side, you can take extra goals with an underdog, or make the favourite +1.5 for a lesser payout. The same thing can be done with the total, but beware that each goal changes the line drastically, whether it’s an over/under or a puck line.
Alternate lines can be a great boost to a parlay or just a way to get extra value for a particular team or game.
NHL live betting
After the games get underway, it’s time to kick back, relax and see how your pregame wagers break, right? That’s certainly one approach that you can take, but you can also keep on betting. Live betting is a featured offering at legal online sportsbooks. Odds and options move fast and include things like the following:
- Moneyline, spread, total
- Team totals
- Player to score the next goal
- Period bets (ML, puck line total goals, the team in lead, etc.)
- Race to a certain number of goals
- 10-minute bets — goals, shots, etc.
Settlement happens instantly once the result is in, and there will be plenty of options as the game plays out. Live betting can be exciting, but be careful not to get too swept away. No matter how you wager, you should always have a clear budget in place and stick to it no matter what.
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NHL futures betting
AS is the case in any sport, futures betting involves wagers that will be settled down the road. In the NHL, this usually refers to season-long futures including the following:
- Stanley Cup winner
- Conference and division winners
- Presidents’ Trophy
- Regular Season Wins & Points
- To make or miss the playoffs
While division, conference, and championship markets remain open throughout the season, some others may close once the campaign starts, depending on the site. Prior to the start of a new league year, you can also wager on individual awards including but not limited to:
- Hart Memorial Trophy (League MVP)
- Vezina Trophy (Top Goaltender)
- Norris Trophy (Top Defenceman)
- Calder Memorial Trophy (Rookie of the Year)
- Art Ross Trophy (Points Leader)
- Rocket Richard Trophy (Goals Leader)
There’s no doubt about the allure of futures: the prices. Predicting anything ahead of time, even throughout the season, can lead to huge odds and big wins. Futures also provide a rooting interest for an extended period of time beyond just one game. But budget accordingly, as your funds will remain tied up from placement through to settlement.
Another key aspect of futures is line shopping, which is key to ensuring you get the best price and potential payout possible.
NHL playoff and Stanley Cup betting
For all of the top North American team sports, the playoffs are the marquee affair of the season. On a game-by-game basis, it’s really tough to beat the excitement of the Stanley Cup playoffs. To claim the Cup, a team needs to survive four best-of-seven series.
The postseason features 16 teams and a best-of-seven series in each round. Currently, there are four divisions with eight teams in each. The top four from each division reach the postseason with No. 1 vs. No. 4, and No. 2 vs. No. 3 in the opening round.
The second round features the winners of each series playing the division rival that won the other series. The four remaining teams are then seeded 1 through 4 according to their regular-season point total.
In the end, each division has a representative in the Stanley Cup Semifinal, which used to be the Conference Finals.
The change with the current format is that a team isn’t forced to win its conference to reach the Stanley Cup, as two members from the same conference can meet in the final series, which did recently happen with Tampa Bay and Montreal.
For each round, winners advance while the losers go home. As this is going on, you’ll be able to place a variety of bets:
- Stanley Cup Champion
- Conference Champions
- Series Winner
- Exact Series Outcome
- Total Games In Series
- Individual Game Betting
- Conn Smythe Trophy (Playoff MVP)
As you can tell, there is no shortage of markets throughout the postseason, and that doesn’t even delve into what is offered on a game-to-game basis. Whether you want to bet on today’s games or the Stanley Cup, Canada’s mobile sportsbooks will have you covered.
Best online sportsbooks for NHL betting
For decades, Canadian sports bettors looking for a safe place to wager were limited to provincial lottery offerings such as ProLine+. While that’s still an option, there are about to be several options with much more to offer. The list includes but is not limited to:
1. DraftKings Sportsbook
The NHL has a hefty presence at DraftKings. The sportsbook’s slick platform makes it easy to bet, particularly for props as it has one of the best layouts in the industry. You can easily dig into player props for a full slate of games, and there’s also a host of alternate lines for each contest in addition to various offers such as odds boosts.
- Pros: Clean menus, a wide range of props, competitive odds.
- Cons: Could use some more regular NHL betting promos.
2. Caesars Sportsbook
All of the major North American team sports appear prominently at Caesars online sportsbook, including the NHL. You’ll find all of the bets you could ask for, ranging from totals, and moneylines to player props and all points in between. There is a huge selection of odds boosts, and promotions likely more than you’ll find available anywhere else.
- Pros: Competitive odds, big selection of props, great ongoing promos.
- Cons: Navigation in the betting lobby could be a little smoother.
3. BetRivers Sportsbook
Beyond letting you bet on the NHL how you want, BetRivers also has some distinct features that you’re unlikely to find elsewhere. On the main game listings, you’ll find clickable links for the latest stats and trends relevant to that game. BetRivers also has a great layout for props, live betting, and alternate lines.
- Pros: Research help, big selection of props, wide range of futures.
- Cons: App performance could use some improvement.
4. BetMGM Sportsbook
When it comes to bets and available sports, BetMGM is among the best. The clickable icons and clean menus make it easy to get around, while the search bar helps you find what you’re looking for. Other top features include its parlay builder and live betting section. BetMGM also has a deep roster of prop bets for every NHL game all season long.
- Pros: Large selection of markets and bets, parlay builder, search bar.
- Cons: Website layout takes a little getting used to.
5. PointsBet Sportsbook
As an official betting partner of the NHL, PointsBet makes hockey a priority. The site pays careful attention to the odds and has become a preferred destination for many bettors as a result. You’ll find a host of props and alternate lines to choose from. PointsBet also lets bettors take more control over their wagers with its “name a bet” feature.
- Pros: PointsBetting, great odds, player prop selection.
- Cons: Could use some more options for NHL futures.
6. FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel is a featured partner of the NHL. It’s simple to get around on the FanDuel betting platform via the clear menus. When you click on the main game listings, you’ll find a variety of props.
After the puck drops, the dedicated live betting tab lets you track the action and place bets in real-time. Additional features include a big selection of futures bets and an ability to place same-game parlays
- Pros: User-friendly, great odds, good selection of player props.
- Cons: Additional promotional offerings for NHL games would be welcome.
In the wake of the legalization of single-game betting in Canada, Proline+ has expanded its offerings in Ontario. There are now odds and lines for all of the individual games, as well as alternate numbers to explore. However, Proline+ comes up short when it comes to player props in comparison to what you might find at the above sportsbooks.
Betting on Maple Leafs and Senators in Ontario
When it comes to the hometown teams, bettors in Ontario should expect a wide selection of options on a game-to-game basis, and when it comes to futures.
Having a limited number of choices is in the past. Whether it’s the Leafs, the Senators, or any other team in the league, bettors will have no problem finding a betting market that will keep them entertained while also presenting the chance for profits.
It’s tough to bet against your team, but you also can’t bet them to win every game. In the search for alternative betting options when watching an NHL contest, you go right to the props section.
Commercial sportsbooks are sure to offer more in the way of prop betting, which can make betting on your own team more fun and granular. You can bet on whether Auston Matthews will score, or how many shots on goal Brady Tkachuk will wind up with in tonight’s game. And that’s only the beginning.
How do sportsbooks payout NHL bets?
Once your bets go final, settlement happens quickly at online sportsbooks. You’ll receive any winnings right away. After you place your wagers, you’ll be able to track them in the open bets section of your account.
No matter where you play, you should always take the time to familiarise yourself with the house rules. For NHL betting, here are some of the most important points to check:
- Unless noted otherwise in the bet terms — i.e., 60-minute or regulation only — wager settlement will include any overtime or shootout periods.
- A slight delay in start time will have no impact on your bets, but a complete cancellation or postponement will lead to the sportsbook voiding bets.
- If a team rules a player out prior to game time, all prop bets involving that player will disappear off the board.
Many online sportsbooks have a dedicated section for house rules, while others may include them in the FAQ or terms and conditions of their site. It’s the responsibility of bettors to know and understand the rules, so be sure to take the time to review them.
