Place Bets on Ice Hockey

Ice hockey betting doesn’t follow a tidy script. Some games open up right away, others grind through long stretches, and the whole thing can flip with one bounce. Most people glance at the lines, see how the two teams stack up that night, and decide from there. Nothing complicated - just quick checks before the puck drops.

Because the sport runs across so many leagues, there’s always something happening somewhere. One night it’s a speed-heavy matchup, the next it’s a more physical style, and each competition brings its own feel to the markets. A single goal can change everything, which is why hockey attracts online sports betting fans who enjoy a bit of chaos.

Top Ice Hockey Competitions to Bet On

Ice hockey comes in a lot of different forms, depending on where you look. One league feels wide open, another plays tighter, and some sit somewhere in between. As the season goes on, bettors switch around based on what they trust or what they understand best, since each league has its own quirks.

NHL

The NHL gets most of the attention. Games swing fast - one hit, one bad bounce, and everything flips. Teams like Toronto, Boston, and Colorado keep the pace high, especially when players like Auston Matthews or Nathan MacKinnon get rolling. Travel and sudden line tweaks can throw a matchup off in seconds.

KHL

The KHL moves at a slower, more patient rhythm. Clubs such as SKA and CSKA spend long stretches building their plays instead of rushing chances. Players like Nikita Gusev or Dmitrij Jaskin often shape how these games look, especially in tight, tactical matchups.

IIHF World Championship

Rosters change every year depending on who comes over from the NHL. Some teams skate fast, others stay compact, and that mix keeps the early rounds unpredictable. Big names like David Pastrňák or Mikko Rantanen can tilt a whole group stage when they show up.

SHL (Sweden)

The SHL runs on structure and strong skating. Clubs like Frölunda and Skellefteå stick to clean systems, and players such as Lucas Raymond (before moving to the NHL) or Joakim Lindström have been central pieces in shaping how bettors read the league.

Liiga (Finland)

Liiga games tend to stay controlled and low-scoring. Teams like Tappara or HIFK often lean on disciplined setups, with players such as Jori Lehterä or Antti Suomela pushing key moments. Most matches feel like they turn on a single clean chance.

NLA (Switzerland)

The Swiss league mixes structure with sudden bursts of scoring. Clubs like ZSC Lions or HC Davos can turn quiet stretches into quick runs. Players like Denis Malgin or Andres Ambühl influence how wide or tight a match ends up feeling.

DEL (Germany)

The DEL sits somewhere between physical North American play and quicker European movement. Eisbären Berlin and Adler Mannheim often set the tone, with players like Lean Bergmann or Dominik Kahun shaping the speed of a match. Streaks tend to last here, so form usually speaks louder than names.

Most Popular Ice Hockey Betting Markets

Ice hockey offers a range of betting markets that reflect how quickly the sport shifts. Some focus on simple outcomes, while others dig into goals, periods, or specific team habits.

Moneyline

The straightforward pick: choose the team you think wins the game. Shootouts and overtime count unless stated otherwise.

Puck Line

Similar to a point spread. The favourite usually needs to win by two or more, while the underdog has a small cushion.

Total Goals (Over/Under)

This market revolves around how open or tight the game becomes. Some matchups stay low-scoring, others break open fast.

Both Teams to Score in Regulation

A simple look at whether each side finds the net before overtime. Popular in leagues with strong offensive play.

Team Totals

Focuses on how many goals one team scores. Useful when one side has a clear advantage or a favourable matchup.

Correct Score

Predicting the exact final score. Tough to hit, but the payout reflects the difficulty.

Period Betting

Instead of the full game, bettors can target the first, second, or third period. Momentum often changes between periods.

Double Chance

Covers two results at once - for example, a team to win or draw in regulation. It lowers risk while keeping the odds reasonable.

Player Props

Shots on goal, points, assists, or goals by specific players. Great for matchups where a star skater or top-line winger has a clear edge.

Winning Margin

Predicts roughly how close the game finishes. Useful in leagues where certain teams dominate weaker opponents.

How to Predict Ice Hockey Matches Successfully

Predicting hockey isn’t about one stat or trend. The sport swings too fast for that. Bettors usually look at a handful of details, and together they paint a clearer picture of what might happen on the ice. Form over the last few games: Teams can heat up suddenly or fall flat without much warning. Recent performances usually say more than long-term averages.

• Goaltending: A hot goalie can steal a game by himself. A shaky one can sink a strong team. It’s often the deciding factor.
• Line combinations: Coaches shuffle lines all the time. Some units click instantly, while others take a few games to find rhythm.
• Special teams: Power-play efficiency and penalty killing make a huge difference. A strong special-teams night can flip a matchup.
• Home-ice comfort: Crowds, rink size, and travel distance all play their part. Some clubs look completely different at home compared to the road.
• Injury impact: Hockey injuries ripple through the lineup. Losing a top defender or a key centre disrupts more than just one position.
• Pace and style: Some teams thrive in open, fast games. Others lean on structure and slower, controlled play. The matchup often dictates the tone.
• Motivation: Playoff races, rivalry games, or a tough losing streak can change how a team approaches the night.

Highest Ice Hockey Betting Odds Ever Won

Long shots don’t hit often in hockey, but when they do, they tend to come from games where the momentum flipped out of nowhere. A single bounce, a strange deflection, or a goalie standing on his head can turn a matchup completely upside down. A few of these results still get brought up because the odds were so far off from what actually happened.

Switzerland to Beat Canada - 2006 Winter Olympics

Canada entered as a heavy favourite, but Switzerland played a disciplined game, blocked everything in sight, and scored at key moments. It turned into one of the biggest surprises of the tournament era.

• Bet type: Match winner
• Odds: 12/1
• Outcome: Switzerland won 2–0

Latvia to Beat Sweden - 2023 IIHF World Championship Quarter-Final

Latvia came in as a clear underdog, but they didn’t play like one. They stayed aggressive, took their chances, and kept Sweden from ever getting comfortable once the game tightened. When Sweden pushed late, Latvia didn’t crack - they closed it out and made history.

• Bet type: Match winner
• Odds: 10/1
• Outcome: Latvia won 3–1

Vegas Golden Knights to Reach the Stanley Cup Final in Their Expansion Year (2017–18)

A brand-new franchise wasn’t supposed to make noise, let alone go deep into the playoffs. But Vegas clicked instantly, rolled through the regular season, and kept the run alive deep into spring.

• Bet type: To reach the final
• Odds: Up to 300/1
• Outcome: Reached the Stanley Cup Final

Denmark to Beat Canada - 2025 IIHF World Championship Quarter-Final

Canada looked like a safe ticket to the semis, but Denmark stayed in touch and then flipped the game in the final minutes. Trailing late in the third, Denmark scored twice (including the winner with under a minute left) to pull off one of the biggest World Championship upsets in years.

• Bet type: Match winner
• Odds: 10/1
• Outcome: Denmark won 2–1

Columbus Blue Jackets to Sweep the Tampa Bay Lightning - 2019 NHL Playoffs

Tampa Bay had just put up one of the best regular seasons in NHL history. Columbus swept them in four games. No one expected it, and it remains one of the biggest playoff upsets ever recorded.

• Bet type: Series sweep
• Odds: 50/1
• Outcome: Columbus swept 4–0

FAQ

Why do sportsbooks wait to confirm the starting goalie before adjusting the odds?

Goaltenders change the entire feel of a game. A top starter can steal chances and slow the pace, while a backup might open the door for higher totals.

Why do some teams look completely different in the third period?

Fatigue, bench depth, and coaching style all show up late. Some teams close games well; others fade once shifts get shorter and mistakes pile up.

Is it worth tracking how a team plays on different rink sizes?

Yes. Some leagues use wider international rinks, and teams built for speed often perform better there than on smaller NHL-style surfaces.

Why do underdogs win more often in hockey than in some other sports?

One bounce, a screened shot, or a strong goalie can tilt a game. The scoring margin is small enough that favourites can dominate play and still lose.

Do penalties have a big impact on betting outcomes?

They do. A single undisciplined stretch can hand momentum and goals to the other side. Power-play efficiency is a major clue for bettors.

Is it useful to follow line-matching strategies?

For sure. Coaches often target specific matchups, especially at home where they control the last change. It can affect shots, scoring chances, and even totals.

How much does travel affect ice hockey teams?

Quite a bit. The combination of flights, time zones, and back-to-back nights often leads to slower starts or inconsistent play.

Do shootouts count toward most bets?

Moneylines usually include shootouts, but many props and special markets don’t. It depends on the specific wager.

Are early-season results reliable for betting?

Somewhat, but not fully. Teams are still adjusting lines, sorting out chemistry, and settling into systems. Trends become clearer after a few weeks.