Two opposing teams, each consisting of six players, compete in ice hockey on a rink. The National Hockey League (NHL) is the premier and most popular ice hockey league worldwide. A total of 32 North American teams compete in an NHL season: 7 from Canada and 25 from the US. Keep reading to get the best hockey odds in live and pre-match markets.
The 2025-26 NHL Season in View
The current NHL season began on October 7th and will continue until Mid-April 2026. For the second straight year, the Florida Panthers defended their Stanley Cup victory by besting the Edmonton Oilers at their last encounter. They are amongst the favorites for the NHL Betting season, alongside the Oilers, Colorado Avelanche and Carolina Hurricanes. The Utah Hockey Club, which played its inaugural season in 2024-25, was renamed in the off-season and now plays as the Utah Mammoth. Explore more of our hockey bet tips on ArcticBet for the top picks as the season progresses.
About Ice Hockey and the NHL
Ice hockey began in Montreal, Canada, in 1875. Although amateur ice hockey leagues began in the 1880s, it wasn't until 1900 that professional ice hockey started. The NHL was first organized in 1917 at the Windsor Hotel in Montreal. There were only four teams at inception, which expanded to six in 1942, and they remained that number until 1967.
As the fifth-highest-grossing professional sports league worldwide, the NHL has been very successful. The Stanley Cup, which is the oldest professional sports trophy in North America, is awarded to the league playoff champion at the end of each season.
Betting on the NHL
The 32 teams in the NHL are divided into the Eastern and Western conferences. There are two divisions in each conference, with 8 teams per division and 16 per conference. The 82-game season schedule will be played for the last time in the 2025-26 season, effectively expanding to 84 games in 2026-27. Some of the biggest outright hockey bet markets are the “Stanley Cup Winner” and “Presidents’ Trophy.”
Other popular outrights to watch for the best ice hockey odds are:
- Eastern Conference Including Playoff
- Western Conference Including Playoff
- Atlantic Division
- Metropolitan Division
- Central Division
- Pacific Division
The Stanley Cup playoffs are some of the most anticipated events of the year. The Stanley Cup is an elimination tournament, with teams competing to win the best-of-seven series to advance to the next round. The playoffs are held after the regular NHL season, making it a hot period for hockey betting enthusiasts. Some top predictions to make include “New Jersey Devils to Make the Playoffs?” and “Buffalo Sabres to Make the Playoffs?”
How to Bet on Ice Hockey
If you want to enjoy competitive pre-match and live odds at ArcticBet, here are the top markets to consider:
- Match Handicap – Level the playing field by opting for this betting market. You can choose to give a team the advantage in points or goals, or give them a deficit.
- Number of Goals – Use this market to predict the exact goals that will be scored in the match. It's a risky bet that requires deep knowledge of the teams and their capabilities.
- Match Result – Predict which team will win or if the match will end in a draw. This market is more straightforward and less risky, especially for beginners.
Best Ice Hockey Betting Tips
Below are some important tips to note when betting on ice hockey odds at ArcticBet:
- Opt for flexible markets that have either/or outcomes. For example, in “Double Chance,” you can bet on one team to win or on a draw outcome.
- Do in-depth research on the match beforehand. Check head-to-head, injuries, and other factors that'll affect the game.
- Set a budget and wager amounts that you don't mind losing. No matter the outcome, never spend above what you set aside.
Why Bet on Ice Hockey at ArcticBet?
We take your entertainment seriously at ArcticBet and offer a safe environment for betting on competitive hockey odds. You can set daily, weekly, and monthly limits on your spending and make quick payments with up to five secure options. Our minimum deposit threshold is just €10, while withdrawals start at €20.