A puck line bet is a type of wager in ice hockey betting that combines elements of the moneyline and point spread. It is specific to hockey and is a popular bet among hockey fans because it provides an alternative to simply picking the winner of the game.

In a puck line bet, the sportsbook will establish a spread for the game, typically around 1.5 goals for the favorite and -1.5 goals for the underdog.) The puck line betting number can vary depending on the matchup and the oddsmakers’ assessment of the game.)

Here’s how it works:

1. **Favorite (-1.5)**: If you bet on the favorite, they must win the game by more than 1.5 goals for you to win the bet. If they win by exactly 1.5 goals, the bet is considered a push, and you get your money back. If they win by less than 1.5 goals or lose the game, you lose the bet.

2. **Underdog (+1.5)**: If you bet on the underdog, you win the bet if they win the game or lose by 1.5 goals or fewer. If they lose by exactly 1.5 goals, it’s a push, and you get your money back.

Puck line bets typically offer better odds than moneyline bets because they require a more specific outcome. For example, if the Edmonton Oilers are playing the Calgary Flames and Edmonton is the favorite, a puck line bet on Edmonton might be -1.5 goals with odds of -150, meaning you would have to bet $150 to win $100.) Meanwhile, a moneyline bet on Edmonton might be -200, requiring you to bet $200 to win $100.

Puck line betting can be a good way to get more value out of your hockey bets, especially if you have a strong sense of how a game will play out in terms of goal differential. However, it’s important to remember that the puck line can vary from game to game and from sportsbook to sportsbook, so it’s always a good idea to shop around for the best lines before placing your bets.