NHL Playoffs Betting 2024

Written by: Joseph Falchetti, Editor-in-Chief, Pro Sports Bettor and Casino Expert
Last updated:
8 minute read
NHL Playoff betting

You don’t need to be a big hockey fan (though, it certainly helps) to enjoy NHL Playoffs betting.

Due to the sheer intensity of the game when the stakes are the highest, the Stanley Cup Playoffs are captivating even to those who aren’t heavily interested in the sport.

For bettors and fans of the NHL, it’s the best time of the year.

Read on to find out everything you need to know about NHL Playoffs gambling, including how and where to bet on the Playoffs, popular bets, and some pro tips that will help you place more efficient wagers.

Best Offshore Sportsbooks To Bet On The NHL Playoffs

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  • 1
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  • 5
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Changes & Format For The 2021 NHL Playoffs

In 2021, the league is back to normal after the coronavirus stoppage, or at least close to it. The regular season featured games between division teams only.

The playoffs will start in May and go until July under a 16-team format. The top four teams in each division will advance to the postseason in 2021.

The NHL Playoffs conclude when a single team emerges from both the Eastern and Western Conference.

These two teams will face off in the NHL Stanley Cup Finals, where a new champion will be crowned.

How To Bet On The NHL Playoffs

How to bet on NHL playoffs

Betting on the NHL Playoffs is no different from gambling on the regular season.

The main difference is that during the post-season, you will find a wider variety of betting markets, and wagering limits may be higher at some sites.

Below is a step-by-step guide to choosing a sportsbook and placing a bet on the NHL Playoffs.

  1. Choose an NHL Sportsbook

    Betting on the NHL is available at every betting site online. It comes down to choosing the best hockey betting site.

    Payouts are an essential factor to consider, but also the number of hockey markets and wagering limits.

    Sites that offer dime lines are ideal when it comes betting on hockey.

  2. Research The Teams

    The key here is to look at their previous matchups with the team they are about to face and their recent play over the last few games.

    Another thing you want to look closer at is a team’s injury list. Finally, check the goalies that each team has in the net.

    Look carefully at the goaltender’s recent play and overall play on the season.

  3. Make A Deposit

    There are a variety of ways to deposit at online sportsbooks. One of the most popular methods is depositing with credit cards. Credit card deposits are instant and usually come without fees.

    However, there are lots of other choices, including cryptocurrencies and bank wires.

  4. Place Your Bet

    Choose which game you wish to bet on and the betting market. After making your choice and adding the wager to your bet slip, choose the amount, and confirm your bet.

    Before hitting confirm, make sure to check over the market and the amount you’re betting.

    If you are new to betting, check out our online guide to NHL Betting.

  5. Enjoy The NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

    The NHL Playoffs are a joy even if you don’t have any money at stake.

    But, with the added fun and potential profits of betting on the post-season, you’re on cloud nine as a hockey fan and sports bettor.

NHL Playoffs Betting Odds And Lines

Ready to place your bets? Check out the odds and lines for your favorite NHL games at some of our most trusted sites.

Get The NHL Playoff Odds At These Top Sites

Where To Bet On The NHL Playoffs 2024

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Check Out Our Complete Reviews Of The Best NHL Betting Sites

There will always be some bets that are more popular than others when it comes to betting on hockey, but there are over a dozen options to bet on individual games and unique offers for the NHL Playoffs.

Individual Hockey Game Betting

Markets available for individual games aren’t going to change much during the playoffs.

You may see more game and team props available, but the most popular bets for single games will be sides, puck line bets, and totals.

Hockey Series Betting

One of the best markets to gain an edge on NHL Playoff betting is wagering on the outcome of each series.

There are plenty of upsets in the postseason, and seeding isn’t necessarily an excellent barometer of which team will advance.

Those who are knowledgeable about hockey and betting markets will find lots of profitable opportunities when looking at series prices.

Aside from picking the winner of each playoff series, bettors may also wager on the number of games that will be played on each series before it is concluded.

This is a highly speculative market and one that we don’t recommend attacking unless you have a compelling read on how a series might play out.

NHL Playoff Futures Betting

NHL futures bets are extremely popular in the postseason.

Not only can you bet on which team will win the Stanley Cup, but also the winners of each conference and, at some sportsbooks, how far each team will advance.

Live Betting On The NHL Playoffs

NHL live betting

Live betting on hockey adds a whole different element to the game.

It’s also one of the best ways to find profitable wagers if you understand hockey probabilities and the game itself.

The NHL Playoffs were made for live betting. Most NHL hockey bettors are interested in pre-game markets, such as sides, totals, and puck lines, but the fun doesn’t stop there.

NHL Hockey Playoffs Betting Tips

NHL Playoffs betting tips

There will be a few differences between regular season betting and NHL playoff betting when it comes to strategy.

And, of course, there are a few basics to keep in mind when betting on hockey that don’t change when it comes to wagering on the playoffs.

Read our expert NHL playoffs betting tips and find out how to place profitable NHL playoff wagers.

Betting Tip #1Bankroll Management

Just because it’s the NHL Playoffs doesn’t mean that bankroll management goes out the window.

You don’t have to bet more on the post-season, even if the wagering limits are higher.

Your bankroll requirements should still be the baseline for how much you’re betting on the games.

Don’t feel the need to bet more games or increase your exposure simply because “it’s the playoffs!”

Betting Tip #2Public Betting Influence

The public doesn’t usually influence NHL betting markets during the regular season. In almost all cases, it’s sharp bettors moving the odds.

However, there is a bit more of a public influence on the odds in the post-season.

Bettors should recognize that odds should not change much game-to-game if the circumstances remain the same.

Often, there is an overreaction to the first or second game of a series.

For instance, if a team is -150 to win the first game of a series and they end up winning by a large margin, you may see them at -170 in the next game, even if the circumstances have not changed.

If there are no significant changes to the rosters, such as a different goalie or new injuries, the odds should be about the same.

If the market overreacts, there can be value on the underdog or favorite when the situation is reversed.

Betting Tip #3Don’t Forget About Live Betting

As mentioned above, live betting can be extremely profitable in the post-season if you manage to get decent odds.

Lots of teams blow leads in hockey games, and in many cases, bettors are disproportionally betting on the favorites in live betting markets, even after they establish a lead.

Bettors may find odds of +700 on the moneyline when teams fall behind by two goals.

This is not a massive lead in hockey, and, at those odds, it’s worth taking a chance on the dog.

Those with a high hockey IQ will also be able to spot live betting opportunities.

2024 NHL Playoffs Bracket Betting

Another way to get in on the action is by filling out our printable NHL Playoffs Bracket.

There are a few bracket contests online, with the most popular being held on NHL.com.

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs brackets don’t have the popularity of the NCAA Tournament Bracket, but they’re still a great way to add some excitement to the post-season, in addition to sports betting.

Grab Your Own Free NHL Playoffs Bracket

NHL Playoffs Expert Hockey Picks

We provide free sports picks to bettors on NHL hockey through the regular season and into the playoffs.

Now You’re Ready To Bet On The NHL Playoffs

Betting the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs isn’t reinventing the wheel when it comes to hockey betting.

It’s more about understanding the basics, line shopping for excellent prices, and tweaking your strategy a bit for playoff hockey.

NHL Playoffs Betting FAQ

Is it legal to bet on the NHL Playoffs?

Yes, betting on hockey as an individual is legal in most states and not against federal law, but it’s always important to check your state and local laws before betting online. Every online betting site offers a variety of wagers on hockey and the NHL.

How do I bet on the NHL Playoffs?

Betting on the Stanley Cup is easier than one may think. All you need to do is sign up at a sportsbook, deposit money and place a bet. We have plenty of highly-rated sportsbook options you can use. You can check out our best NHL sportsbooks page or just use the ones we have mentioned on this page.

Where can I bet on the NHL Playoffs?

There are plenty of options to bet on the 2024 Stanley Cup, either on online betting sites, local bookies or in Vegas. We recommend checking out our top-rated NHL sportsbooks rather than going with unknown betting sites in other to avoid possible scams.

How much can I win betting on the NHL Playoffs?

It all depends on how much you bet, but NHL futures offer the largest returns as a longshot wager. They could easily bring a return of 10x or more of your original investment. 

About the Author

Joseph Falchetti

Joseph Falchetti

Editor-in-Chief, Pro Sports Bettor and Casino Expert

Joe is the author of the majority of sports betting pages on SBS and he serves as a gambling consultant to our content team. He's been mentioned on Forbes.com as a gaming analyst, and his articles have been linked by larger publications, such as the New York Times.

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