Stake.com is the perfect place to bet on the NHL (National Hockey League) thanks to our effortless and instant deposits and withdrawals, and excellent value with your local currency or many cryptocurrencies available .

NHL betting with the best betting odds has never been easier, and there are so many markets to choose from, including winner bets, handicaps, and a vast range of proposition bets to keep things interesting during the season.

Along with the NHL, you can also bet on ice hockey around the globe, including AHL , SHL , OHL , KHL , and more. So, read on to find out what you need to know about betting on sports , specifically the NHL at Stake online sportsbook .

What is the NHL?

The NHL stands for the National Hockey League and it is the premier professional ice hockey league in the US.

As you will discover, the NHL features 32 teams, of which 25 are based in the US and there are 4 divisions too. It’s also worth noting that the NHL is one of the highest grossing sports leagues in the world.

History of the NHL

The National Hockey League (NHL) was established in 1917 to succeed the National Hockey Association. The NHA was on rocky ground due to several disputes between the Toronto Blueshirts and the Montreal Canadiens, ultimately leading to a new league. The NHL’s first president Frank Calder stayed in the role until his death in 1943.

Initially, the NHL was competed by Canadian teams, but it embarked upon a rapid expansion during the 1920s, with the Boston Bruins becoming the first American team to join the league in 1924.

Now, 32 teams in the National Hockey League compete in four divisions – the Atlantic, Metropolitan, Central, and Pacific.

Below, we have discussed how to bet on hockey .

2023/24 NHL & Stanley Cup Results

Last season, the Florida Panthers topped the Atlantic Division, picking up 110 points from their 82 games, finishing just a point ahead of the Boston Bruins.

The Metropolitan Division, meanwhile, had 3 points separating the New York Rangers (first) and the Carolina Hurricanes as did the gap between the top 2 teams in the Central Division. Whereas, the Pacific Division saw the Vancouver Canucks pull away from the Edmonton Oilers.

In the Stanley Cup Final, the Panthers and Oilers came to the fire, reaching the Final. However, the Panthers had just enough to get over the line in the final game of the series, winning 2-1.

Format & Schedule of the NHL 2024/25 Season

At the time of writing, teams are being put through their paces during the NHL preseason . Matches are taking place as a way to bolster fitness before the serious business gets underway.

An 82-game marathon for each side, we have revealed the dates for the 2024/25 season in the following section.

When is the 2024/25 NHL Season?

The regular NHL season is expected to get underway on October 4, 2024, running through until June 2025. Towards the end of the campaign, there will be the Stanley Cup playoffs.

You can check out our full NHL predictions article to see our expert picks for the 2024/25 season! You can enjoy the best odds to bet live and see who is most likely to reach the playoffs.

Which Teams Play in the NHL?

As mentioned, the NHL is split into 4 divisions - the Atlantic, Metropolitan, Central, and Pacific. Canada has a huge NHL heritage, and among the most successful NHL teams include the Montreal Canadiens and the Edmonton Oilers.

For the forthcoming season, the Florida Panthers are the team to beat. They beat the Oilers 4-3 in the best-of-7 Stanley Cup Finals series last term.

Types of NHL Betting

If you’re an ice hockey fan, there are so many different bets you can place at Stake, helping you find value as you back your favourite players and teams. Whether it's the Stanley Cup, or an all-star game, sports betting fans will love the wide range of bets you can place on your favourite teams and players. Some of the most popular NHL bets include:

Winner (including overtime and penalties)

The most straightforward bet to place on the NHL is picking a fixture’s winner. Read our moneyline betting guide for more information on how to place this bet at Stake.com.

Outright/Futures

Used for all sports betting , you will place a bet on who will be crowned NHL champions. Learn more with our outright betting guide .

1x2

In a 1x2 NHL bet, you are still betting on the overall winner of the game, but there is one more element — the draw. In the regular season, if 2 teams are level, games will go to Overtime. There will be a 5-minute period to decide a winner.

Handicap (including overtime and penalties)

Commonly known as the puckline in NHL betting, a handicap bet is where the underdog is given a specific number of points as a head start, while the favourite is given a handicap to level the playing field. Check out our handicap betting guide for more information.

Total (including overtime and penalties)

Another popular NHL bet type is a total bet, which sees you place a wager on how many points you think will be scored in a game. In a total bet, you don’t need to worry about which team or individual players score the points, only the total number at the end of the match. For instance, the sportsbook might set the NHL total line at 5.5, enabling you to bet on whether you think over or under this number of points will be scored in the match.

Asian Handicap

An Asian handicap betin ice hockey is a variation of the handicap bet already introduced. While regular handicap bets only account for the win, an Asian handicap allows for a push bet using decimal odds. So, for instance, the line in an ice hockey Asian handicap bet might be set at 0.5 or 1.5.

Asian total

Again, the Asian total is a variation of a regular total bet, which is also popular with ice hockey fans. Allowing for the possibility of a push, Asian total lines are given in decimal points, such as 0.50, 1.25, and 1.50, for instance. Other than the variation in the line, an Asian total works the same as a standard total bet on the NHL betting markets.

Double chance

In an ice hockey fixture, each team has three possible outcomes – win, draw, or lose. In a double chance NHL bet, you quite literally get a double chance , as you would with soccer where you can bet on two of the three outcomes. So, for instance, you could bet on Team A drawing or winning the fixture, and you would only lose your bet if Team A fails to win.

Both teams to score

An extremely popular wager for football betting, this line is self-explanatory. You can build both teams to score into a multibet or parlay .

Specific bets

In addition to the above popular NHL betting types, there are several specific bets that you can place before tuning into the action. These are known as proposition bets , and they’re not tied directly to the outcome of the fixture. We have revealed the types of props bets you might encounter.

First goal/last goal
Anytime goal
To score two or more
Assists
Anytime points
Powerplay points
Number of shots

This allows you to back your favourite players in different ways, be it the Oilers centre Connor McDavid or the free-scoring Dylan Larkin of the Detroit Red Wings.

How to Bet on Ice Hockey and Tips for Successful NHL betting

Let’s take a look at some helpful tips and strategies for NHL betting at Stake's online sportsbook:

Do your research: Ice hockey is a game of fine margins, so make sure you research player form, player stats, and performance before placing a bet.
Consider injuries: Always check a team’s injury list before placing a bet, as injuries can severely hamper a team’s chances of victory. Specifically, look out for key players who may be sitting out on multiple or single games.
Look at travel schedules: NHL players have to travel far and wide to compete throughout the season, so consider weeks where teams have to make particularly long trips, as this is likely to affect their performance.
Understand line matchups: Ice hockey is a game of lines. A line is a group of players sent out onto the ice together simultaneously, and it can be changed throughout a season. So, spend some time analysing how a team’s lines work together for a good idea about how likely they are to win.
Look for promotions: At Stake.com, we offer a range of promotions and bonuses to use at our online sportsbook. So read up on the latest offers to enhance your chances of winning NHL bets. To take things up a notch, you can become a Stake VIP member and receive special rewards ! To learn more about the program, read our Stake VIP guide .

Live Stream NHL & Live Betting on Hockey

There are few things more enjoyable for sports fans than watching live hockey . In-play betting, for example, has become fashionable. Bettors can keep tabs on their wagers and cash out if they are worried things will go awry.

In the meantime, Stake offers live streaming; provided you have a fully registered account, you can catch all the NHL action from the 2024/25 season on the move. Just toggle the live stream button and follow your favourite teams.

NHL Betting Predictions & Tips

If you’re keen to bet on the 2024 NHL season playoffs, here are some top ice hockey betting tips to take advantage of to boost your chances of winning:

Form often goes out of the window in playoff games as the stakes are raised. This is why you often see unfancied teams go all the way in the Stanley Cup! So, it’s always a good idea to check a team’s previous playoff performances before backing them!
As well as pre-match bets, consider placing live bets on the NHL playoffs for more variety on your betting slip. Read our guide for more information about the differences between live and pre-match betting at Stake.
Do you know your Asian totals from your handicap bets ? Ensure you understand your NHL betting options before backing your selections in the playoffs. You can use our online sports betting guide to help you.

Bet Bonuses & Responsible Gambling Online

The NHL playoffs are the most exciting time of the ice hockey season! Make sure you have funds in your account to make your selections.

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