NHL betting is a popular way for Canadian fans to stay engaged throughout the season, and most hockey bets fall into five categories. This guide explains how each of them works, the questions bettors ask most often and how to place these bets at 1xbet.
The 5 Most Popular NHL Bets
- Moneyline. The simplest and most popular hockey bet: pick the team that wins the game, including overtime and shootout. Beginners start here because there is only one decision to make. Odds on strong favourites are short, so many bettors combine several moneyline picks in an accumulator. If you expect a tie after 60 minutes, look at the three-way (1X2) market, where the draw is a separate outcome with bigger odds.
- Puck line. The puck line is hockey’s spread, usually set at 1.5 goals. Backing the favourite at −1.5 pays more than the moneyline, but the team must win by two or more. Many NHL games are decided by one goal, which is why −1.5 bets often lose. The last two minutes matter most: a trailing team pulls its goalie, and an empty-net goal turns a 3–2 win into 4–2. Taking the underdog at +1.5 wins if it wins outright or loses by one.
- Totals (over/under). You bet on the combined number of goals, with lines usually set at 5.5 or 6.5. Many fans expect high scores in big rivalry games, but those games are often prove to be tight and physical. The goalies matter most here: a backup in net or a starter in strong form moves the total more than anything else. Check the confirmed starters about an hour before puck drop.
- Player props. Props focus on individual players: goals, points, assists or shots on goal. They are popular because they let fans back the stars they follow every night. Goal odds on a top forward look tempting, but shots on goal are often the steadier bet, because elite players shoot every game even when they do not score. Power-play time and linemates matter more than reputation.
- Stanley Cup futures. A long-term bet on which team will win the Cup in June. Odds are available all season and change with injuries, trades and form. No Canadian team has won the Cup since Montreal in 1993, so backing a Canadian club is a popular choice every autumn. Futures usually offer the best prices early in the season, before a strong start shortens the odds.
Canada’s Favourite Matchups to Bet On at 1xBet
Some games draw far more attention and betting than others:
- Toronto vs Montreal. The oldest rivalry in the league, dating back to the NHL’s first season in 1917.
- Edmonton vs Calgary. The Battle of Alberta, known for physical play and late drama.
- Ottawa vs Toronto. The Battle of Ontario, especially intense when both teams are chasing a playoff spot.
- Outdoor games. The Heritage Classic brings snow, wind and unusual ice, which can make totals unpredictable.
- Hockey Night in Canada. Saturday games still draw the biggest audiences (despite the departure of CBC broadcasts) and the busiest markets of the week.
NHL Betting at 1xBet
At 1xBet, NHL games are in the Sports section under Ice Hockey (how the sport is known outside North America). Each game lists the moneyline, the three-way result, the puck line and totals, along with period markets and player bets, so you can choose between backing a winner, a margin or the number of goals.
Once the puck drops, games move to the Live section, where odds update throughout every period. Intermissions are a good moment to reassess: a shaky goalie, a team dominating shots or an early injury can all change the picture. When several games are on at the same time, Multi-LIVE shows them side by side. For season-long bets, the Long-term bets section holds Stanley Cup and award markets, and the Statistics page helps you check form and head-to-head results. The 1xBet app for Android and iOS offers the same line on your phone.
Bonuses at 1xBet for Canadian Bettors
New players can start the season with a sports welcome bonus of up to 540 CAD on the first deposit. Wagering conditions apply, so be careful and read the rules before you deposit.
Crypto users also get a Crypto Freebet, worth 30% cashback on crypto top-ups:
- Register or log in on the 1xBet website or the app.
- Top up your account using any cryptocurrency (the minimum deposit is 8 CAD).
- Get cashback worth 30% of the average amount of your deposits as a promo code.
FAQ
What happens to my bet if the game goes to a shootout?
A moneyline bet counts the final result, including the shootout. On the three-way market, a game tied after 60 minutes is settled as a draw.
What if the starting goalie changes?
In hockey, a late goalie change usually does not void your bet. Check the rules for each market at 1xBet, and confirm starters before betting.
Can I bet between periods?
Yes. Live markets stay open during the game, and intermissions are a good moment to reassess before the next period starts.
This article is for entertainment purposes only. Toronto Times does not encourage or endorse any form of gambling. Gambling involves risk and should never be relied on as a source of income. Play responsibly and only if you are 19+. If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, free confidential help is available 24/7 through ConnexOntario (1-866-531-2600) or the Responsible Gambling Council.
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