Puck line: hockey's version of the point spread
The puck line is hockey's version of the point spread. It is usually set at 1.5 goals: the favourite at -1.5 must win by two or more, and the underdog at +1.5 wins the bet by winning or by losing by one goal. Rules on empty-net goals and overtime vary by operator.
Checked by the editorial team on
- 2 min read
- 4 sections
- 1 table
- 4 FAQ
What the puck line is
A hockey game is often decided by one goal, so a plain handicap of a whole goal would tie often. The usual 1.5 removes the tie: a result can only land on one side of it.
The number comes in pairs. If one side is -1.5, the other is +1.5, and each has its own price.
Bottom line: at 1.5 goals, the favourite must win by two or more, and the underdog survives a one-goal loss.
The arithmetic
| Final score (favourite first) | Margin | Favourite -1.5 | Underdog +1.5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 to 2 | 2 goals | Wins | Loses |
| 3 to 2 | 1 goal | Loses | Wins |
| 2 to 3 | favourite lost by 1 | Loses | Wins |
| 1 to 4 | favourite lost by 3 | Loses | Wins |
The scores are invented and refer to no game; the settlement is our own derivation from the 1.5 margin, and an operator's terms decide any edge case.
Empty nets and overtime
A late empty-net goal can turn a one-goal win into a two-goal win, which changes the result of a puck line bet. Overtime and shootouts raise a separate question. Both are settled by each operator's own rules.
We keep those rules in one place, the NHL settlement comparison, and do not repeat them here. We have not yet read them for this page.
How we checked
The definition follows the reference note for Canada, which gives the hockey spread as usually plus or minus 1.5. We have not yet quoted an operator's definition. When we do, it will carry a URL, a date and at most 15 words.
Compare with the point spread, the moneyline and NHL betting in Canada. 19+ in Ontario and British Columbia; 18+ in Alberta, Manitoba and Québec. Gambling involves risk. Play responsibly.
FAQ
What does puck line -1.5 mean?
The side marked -1.5 is the favourite and must win by two goals or more. A win by one goal, or a loss, means the bet loses.
What does puck line +1.5 mean?
The side marked +1.5 is the underdog and receives 1.5 goals. The bet wins if that team wins or loses by one goal, and loses if it loses by two or more.
Why is the puck line usually 1.5?
Hockey scores are low, so a spread of 1.5 is a large share of a typical margin. Our reference note says the hockey spread is usually plus or minus 1.5; we have not yet quoted an operator's own explanation.
Do empty-net goals or overtime change the puck line result?
They can, depending on each operator's rules. We compare those rules on the NHL settlement page and do not restate them here.