NHL Over/Under Betting: What Does 5, 5.5 and 6.5 Mean?

Hockey is a volatile sport and sportsbooks can price the odds for either side at plus-money depending on several key variables.

Betting the total in a hockey game is an exciting way to draw interest in any given matchup. Sportsbooks can price the odds for either side at plus-money depending on several key variables.

The most common totals listed in hockey are 5.5, 6 and 6. 5, but sometimes you will see a 5 or 7. In the 2021-22 season, NHL teams scored 3.14 and allowed 3,00 goals per game.

Whole numbers are used to bet on hockey games. If the game ends at a score of 6-0, 5-1, 4-2 or 3-3, the bet is a "push" and the wager is refunded.

An NHL game has 60 minutes of 5-on-5 regulation play. If the score is still tied after the third period, there is a 5 minutes 3-to-3 sudden-death overtime period. A shootout is then held to decide the winner.

The Wild won the game 4-3 in a shootout. The winner of overtime or the shootout is credited with the winning score. If you bet the over at 6.5 on the Wild–Blackhawks game Oct. 30, the total goals was pushed over 6,5.

Before placing an over/under bet, it's best to shop for lines across the different sportsbooks. Most totals will be set at 5.5, 6 and 6. 5, with the exception of the Islanders and Florida Panthers. The starting goaltender is the most important variable to consider when placing a hockey bet. If a team is missing a starting goalie, the totals may be affected. It's wise to keep an eye out for the injury reports. NHL Odds page has live updates. Action Network’s NHL odds page shows where the best prices are being offered.