There are many betting options when it comes to NHL games. From the money line to totals, to the puck line, hockey fans have a plethora of ways to wager on their favorite teams. Today we will be looking at puck line betting, the hockey’s run line.

Puck line betting is essentially dependent on NHL scores. Firstly, the puck line is set at one and a half goals per game and uses the plus and minus system to dictate which way the line runs. As we noted the puck line is dependent on the outcome of the game, depending on what the final score works out to be can factor into a puck line making someone a winner.

What’s more, the puck line is a unique combination between the point spread and money line. When you risk the points on the underdog, you are required to put in more money to win back less. Conversely, to take away points from the favorite you are required to risk less and can get back more. Here is how it appears.

San Jose Sharks + 1.5 – 150

Chicago Blackhawks – 1.5 + 130

The Sharks are the underdog and therefore if they win the game outright or lose the game by a goal, you need to risk $150 to win back $100. On the other hand, the Blackhawks need to win the game outright by two or more goals in order for fans that risk $100 to get back $130.

Prior to making a puck line wager, you should always research who the starting goalie is for each team. The standard for the NHL is to have the backup goalie start at least 15 games. Meaning to say, that if a strong team has a poor backup goalie, laying the point the on the underdog in that game, may be of value to you.