NHL Moneyline Bets Explained

Read more: NHL Betting: The Ultimate Guide for the 2025/2026 Hockey Season

What Is a Moneyline Bet in NHL Betting?

A moneyline bet is the simplest form of NHL betting. You pick which team will win the game. Favorites are shown with a minus sign (-), while underdogs have a plus sign (+).

• If the New York Rangers are -150, you need to risk $150 to win $100.
• If the New Jersey Devils are +130, you risk $100 to win $130.

That’s it. No point spreads, no confusion—just who wins. Sports betting online makes this one of the fastest wagers to place.

Why Moneyline Bets Dominate Hockey Betting

Hockey is a low-scoring sport. Many games end by just one goal, so puck lines (spreads) are harder to hit. Moneyline bets fit perfectly with the sport’s unpredictability.

Sports betting sites keep the odds tight, but underdogs in hockey win more often than in other sports. That’s why NHL best bets often include smart moneyline plays on teams in good spots.

Example: If the Minnesota Wild are +140 on the road against a tired opponent, bettors see value. NHL betting today rewards those who read the schedule as much as the stats.

How Sports Betting Odds Work on the Moneyline

Sports betting odds are designed to show probability. A -150 favorite is expected to win about 60% of the time, while a +130 underdog is expected to win about 43%. The gap is the sportsbook’s edge.

For NHL betting, knowing implied probability helps. It tells you when the line doesn’t match the real chances. Bettors who find these mismatches hit profitable sports betting picks.

NHL Best Bets Today: Using Moneylines

When chasing NHL best bets today, moneylines are a great starting point. They give you clean reads without added layers.

• Heavy favorites: Risk more, win less.
• Live underdogs: Higher payouts if they upset.
• Even matchups: Often posted around -110 for both teams.

Sports betting promos often boost moneyline odds for marquee matchups. Grabbing these boosts can turn an average payout into a sharp value play.

NHL Betting Lines: Moneyline Variations

NHL betting lines on the moneyline can come in different formats:

• Regulation only (60-minute line): Your bet covers three periods, excluding overtime. Adds value but risk.
• Overtime included: Covers the full game, including OT and shootouts.
• Draw option (three-way moneyline): Bet on home win, away win, or tie at the end of regulation.

Sports betting apps display these clearly, so make sure you’re betting the version you want.

Example: Moneyline Bet in Action

Game: Colorado Avalanche vs. Chicago Blackhawks

• Avalanche: -200
• Blackhawks: +170

If you believe the Avalanche dominate, you’d risk $200 to win $100. If you think the Blackhawks pull the upset, you’d risk $100 to win $170.

For NHL betting today, the value is often with the underdog—especially early-season matchups where young teams surprise.

Sports Betting Online: Live Moneyline Action

One of the fastest-growing markets is live moneyline betting. Sports betting online lets you place wagers mid-game as odds update.

If a favorite goes down early, their live moneyline shifts to better odds. Bettors using sports betting apps can jump in on comebacks.

Example: Oilers open at -180. They trail 1-0 after the first period. Their live line shifts to -110. Bettors who believe in McDavid’s firepower grab the comeback at a discount.

Sports Betting Sites and Comparing Moneylines

Not all sportsbooks post the same NHL betting lines. Sports betting sites vary slightly in their odds, and even small differences add up.

For example, one site might list the Bruins at -135, while another lists them at -125. Taking the lower number saves you money long-term. NHL best bets start with shopping around.

Sports Betting Promos for Moneyline Bets

Moneyline markets often come with promos. Books might boost a heavy favorite to even money, or give bonus bets if your team scores first.

For casual bettors, these promos make moneyline bets fun. For serious players, they’re a way to reduce juice and improve return.

Tips for Winning NHL Moneyline Bets

1. Always confirm starting goalies before betting.
2. Watch travel schedules—back-to-back games hurt tired teams.
3. Bet underdogs in rivalry spots where motivation spikes.
4. Compare sports betting odds across multiple sites.
5. Use sports betting promos to stretch your bankroll.

Sports betting picks that follow these tips are sharper and more consistent.

The Bottom Line

Moneyline bets are the backbone of NHL betting. They’re simple, fast, and perfect for hockey’s tight, low-scoring games. Whether you’re using sports betting apps, sports betting sites, or betting online, moneylines are the cleanest way to get in the action.

NHL best bets today often start with the moneyline. From heavy favorites to live underdogs, it’s about finding value in the odds.

Check out our full betting toolset to start spotting profitable lines.

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