NHL Betting Rules & Formats
Master the rules that affect your NHL bets and betting outcomes
NHL Game Format
Three 20-minute periods (60 minutes total)
- • 20-minute intermissions between periods
- • Clock stops for penalties, goals, etc.
- • Teams switch ends after each period
3-on-3 sudden death (5 minutes)
- • First goal wins the game
- • Winner gets 2 points, loser gets 1
- • Goes to shootout if still tied
Best of 3 rounds, then sudden death
- • Each team gets 3 shooters initially
- • Continues until one team has more goals
- • Winner gets 2 points, loser gets 1
How NHL Rules Affect Your Bets
Regular Season
Moneyline bets include overtime and shootout results.
- • Winner determined after OT/SO
- • No "tie" option available
- • Both teams can earn points
Playoffs
Games continue until there's a winner (no shootouts).
- • 20-minute sudden death OT periods
- • Game continues until goal scored
- • Can go multiple overtime periods
Important Note:
Some sportsbooks offer "60-minute line" or "regulation time" betting, which only counts the score after 60 minutes of play.
Team A Regulation
Team A wins in regulation time only
Team B Regulation
Team B wins in regulation time only
Tie (Regulation)
Game tied after 60 minutes
Puck line bets (typically -1.5/+1.5) include overtime and shootout results.
Example Scenario:
Toronto -1.5 vs Montreal +1.5
- • If Toronto wins 3-2 in OT: Montreal +1.5 wins (lost by 1)
- • If Toronto wins 2-1 in SO: Montreal +1.5 wins (lost by 1)
- • If Toronto wins 4-2 in regulation: Toronto -1.5 wins
NHL Playoff Format
First Round
16 teams, 8 matchups, best-of-7 series
Second Round
8 teams, 4 matchups, best-of-7 series
Conference Finals
4 teams, 2 matchups, best-of-7 series
Stanley Cup Final
2 teams, 1 matchup, best-of-7 series
Games continue with 20-minute OT periods until someone scores
Bet on series winner, series length, or individual game outcomes
More player and team prop bets available for playoff games
Common Sportsbook Rules
Postponed Games
- • Bets typically remain valid
- • Game must be played within 24-48 hours
- • Check specific sportsbook rules
Cancelled Games
- • All bets are typically voided
- • Stakes returned to bettors
- • Parlays reduced to remaining legs
Important:
Always check if your target player is in the starting lineup before placing prop bets.
Player Doesn't Play
- • Bet is typically voided
- • Stakes returned
- • Some books have "action" rules
Player Leaves Early
- • Bet usually stands if player started
- • Check minimum playing time rules
- • Varies by sportsbook
Bet Acceptance
Live bets are subject to rapid odds changes and may be rejected if:
- • Significant game event occurs during bet placement
- • Odds have moved substantially
- • Technical issues with live feed
Settlement
Live bets are settled based on the official result, regardless of any display errors during the game.
Key Takeaways for NHL Bettors
Always Remember:
- ✓ Regular season games can end in OT/shootout
- ✓ Playoff games continue until there's a winner
- ✓ Check if bets include overtime results
- ✓ Verify player participation before prop bets
- ✓ Understand your sportsbook's specific rules
Common Mistakes:
- ✗ Assuming regulation-only betting
- ✗ Not checking lineup changes
- ✗ Ignoring playoff format differences
- ✗ Betting without reading sportsbook rules
- ✗ Forgetting about the loser point in regular season