Betting on the NHL preseason can be a wild ride, since there’s plenty of unpredictability, roster experiments, and breakout performances from players fighting for roster spots. While these games might not have the intensity of the regular season, they can present some solid betting opportunities—if you know where to look. Here’s a quick guide and some hot tips on betting the preseason.
Why Betting on the Preseason is Different
In the regular season, teams are focused on winning. In the preseason, they’re more concerned about testing prospects, giving veterans some light action, and experimenting with lineups. Coaches are often more focused on development than final scores, so the flow of the game and player usage can be unpredictable.
Types of NHL Preseason Bets
Moneyline Bets
This is the simplest form of betting—you’re just betting on which team will win the game outright. Our above example shows a preseason game between the Habs and the Leafs. Under the “money” column you can see that the Leafs are the favourites, priced at -160. The Canadiens are the +135 underdogs. Check out our bet guide for more on moneyline bets.
In the preseason, moneyline bets can be tricky because lineups are constantly shifting. A team might start with a few stars in the first period and then play mostly minor leaguers the rest of the game. Always check the rosters before placing a bet because a star-laden first line could get you a good start, but the depth of the bench might not hold up
Puck Line Bets (aka point spread)
The puck line is similar to a point spread in other sports. In the example above – a preseason matchup between the Canadiens and the Maple Leafs – the favourite must win by more than 1.5 goals, while the underdog must lose by fewer than 1.5 goals or win outright for you to win the bet.
In the preseason, where teams don’t necessarily push for blowout Ws, the puck line can be riskier, especially since coaching strategies vary. Teams probably don’t care that much about adding insurance goals once they have a lead.
Over/Under (Totals)
Betting on the total number of goals scored in a game can be a fun way to get involved in preseason action. Games with inexperienced lineups might lead to more defensive breakdowns, resulting in higher-scoring games. On the flip side, teams testing out goaltenders and defensive systems might result in low-scoring affairs. Keep an eye on which players are slated to start in goal and whether the team is focused on testing its defence or offence.
Preseason Betting Tips and Tricks
Follow the Lineups Closely
Unlike the regular season, where stars typically play full games, NHL preseason lineups fluctuate dramatically. Coaches often rest their stars, limit them to one or two periods, or leave them out entirely. This opens up opportunities for younger players to make their mark. Make sure you check game-day lineups to see which players are starting, especially in goal. A team that starts its No. 1 goalie for the full game is more likely to have the defensive stability needed to win, but if they’re splitting time between backups, that’s something to consider when betting.
The Coach Approach
Different coaches have different ways of handling the preseason. Some treat it as a serious test run for the regular season, aiming to fine-tune new systems and strategies. Others use it strictly to evaluate fringe players. Pay attention to how a coach has managed the preseason in past years—this can give you insight into how seriously they’ll treat each game. Teams looking to build momentum heading into the season might play harder, while those more focused on player development may take a more laid-back approach.
Watch for Late Line Moves
Because of lineup uncertainty and last-minute changes, betting lines can shift dramatically as the game approaches. Keep an eye on the line movements, as they often reflect insider knowledge about which players will be resting or how teams plan to manage their ice time. If you see a big swing in the line close to game time, it’s often a sign that a key player is sitting or a less-experienced goalie is starting.
Is Betting on the Preseason Worth It?
Betting on the NHL preseason can be profitable if you do your homework. The key is staying on top of things that change quickly – track team news, follow roster updates, and keep an eye on how much ice time key players are expected to get.
At the same time, approach preseason betting with caution. Since the games don’t have the same stakes as regular-season contests, results can be more erratic. Bet smaller amounts and be prepared for the unexpected.