How to Bet on NHL Preseason
NHL preseason games differ significantly from regular-season games. Teams use this period not so much to compete for results as to prepare for the season, evaluate newcomers and determine the optimal roster. That is why the usual analysis of statistics and previous results does not always work here.
Before betting on National Hockey League preseason games, it is important to consider team rosters, the expected ice time of key players, the choice of starting goaltender, line combinations and the coaching staff's objectives. The latest club news and roster changes immediately before the game also become more important.
Let's look at how the NHL preseason works, how it differs from the regular season and what to pay attention to when choosing bets.
What Is the NHL Preseason?
NHL preseason games are a series of exhibition games that teams play before the regular season begins. The main objective is to prepare players for the season and determine the roster. Games can feature regular NHL players, newcomers, young prospects from the club system and candidates competing for a place on the main roster.
When Does the NHL Preseason Take Place?
Preseason games are played immediately before the start of the NHL regular season. Teams usually play several games over a period of several weeks. In 2026, the first preseason games are scheduled for September 19.
Why Does the NHL Hold Preseason Games?
The preseason has several main purposes:
- prepare players for the regular season;
- assess players' physical condition;
- determine the team roster;
- evaluate newcomers and young players;
- find optimal line combinations;
- test defensive pairings;
- work on the power play and penalty kill;
- give goaltenders game practice.
As a result, a coach may deliberately sacrifice the result of a particular game in order to obtain the information needed about players.
Do Preseason Results Matter?
Preseason results matter less than regular-season results. A win or loss on its own does not always allow you to draw conclusions about a team's current level.
A team may lose a game while using a large number of young players and a backup goaltender, while the opponent uses several experienced players. In such a situation, the final score does not fully reflect the relative strength of the teams' main rosters.
That is why preseason analysis should focus not only on the result, but also on who was actually on the ice and what objectives the team was pursuing.
How NHL Preseason Betting Differs From the Regular Season
The main difference is the unpredictability of rosters and player ice time. The table below summarizes the key differences.
Factor | Preseason | Regular season |
Roster | Often experimental | Main roster |
Key players | May receive limited ice time | Play their usual, though not necessarily decisive, role |
Goaltenders | Frequent rotation is possible | Rotation is more predictable |
Young players | Receive many opportunities | Their ice time is limited |
Motivation | Depends on the specific objective | More stable |
Importance of the result | Secondary | Important for standings and the playoff race |
Statistics from the previous season should be used with caution. A team's lineup in a particular preseason game may differ significantly from the one that will play during the regular season.
Another feature is that the situation changes throughout the preseason itself. At the beginning of the preparation period, a coach may use mostly young players, while closer to the start of the season the lineup may look much more like the regular-season roster.
What to Check Before Betting on the NHL Preseason
Team Rosters
Before the game, check:
- which players are listed;
- which key players will take the ice;
- which players are competing for a place on the main roster;
- who will play on the first or second line;
- which defensemen form the pairings;
- who will be used on the power play;
- how many young players are included in the lineup.
Comparing teams only by their overall level is not enough. A strong club may use an experimental lineup, while its opponent gives more ice time to players who are close to earning regular-season roles.
Goaltender
The choice of goaltender can have a major impact on a hockey game. In the preseason, this factor becomes even more important because of active rotation. Find out who will start, who may replace the starter during the game, how much senior-level experience the goaltenders have, and what save percentages and goals-against averages they have produced over a meaningful sample.
Ice Time for Key Players
Even if a star player is included in the lineup, that does not mean they will spend as much time on the ice as they would in the regular season.
The coaching staff may limit the workload of key players or use them only in certain game situations.
Young Players and Competition for Roster Spots
The preseason gives young players an opportunity to show the coaching staff that they are ready for the NHL. The lineup may include promising players from the club system, recent draft picks and players from the AHL.
For them, a specific game may be very important in terms of personal competition for a place on the team. However, that does not mean the team as a whole will necessarily perform better.
Coaching Motivation
In the preseason, a team's motivation is not always simply to win the game. A coach may set a very specific objective, such as testing new line combinations, evaluating special teams, giving a backup goaltender practice or seeing how young players handle NHL pace.
What Bets Are Available on NHL Preseason Games?
The range of markets depends on the sportsbook, but the main hockey betting options are usually available for NHL preseason games.
Betting on the Match Winner
You can choose one team to win in regulation or to win the game overall. The odds may reflect a team's general status, but they do not necessarily account for every detail of the specific preseason lineup.
Handicap
A handicap allows you to bet on the goal difference between the teams. The gap between two teams on paper can change significantly if one uses many regular NHL players while the other relies mostly on younger players.
Total Goals
A total bet is a prediction of how many goals will be scored in the game. When analyzing the total, it is important to consider the quality of the goaltenders, defensive pairings, attacking lines and the role of key players.
At the same time, you should not mechanically project future scoring based only on a few previous results.
Team Total
This market lets you evaluate the number of goals scored by one team separately. The opponent's lineup is especially important here. For example, a backup goaltender or a large number of young defensemen may significantly affect potential scoring.
Period Bets
You can also bet separately on the result of the first, second or third period. In preseason games, this market requires close attention to the distribution of ice time. The lineup at the start of a game can differ significantly from the players on the ice later on.
How to Analyze an NHL Preseason Game: Step-by-Step
You can use a simple process to analyze each game.
- Check the rosters. Pay particular attention to key players, young players and candidates for a place on the main roster.
- Identify the goaltenders. Find out who will start and how important that player is within the team's structure.
- Review the combinations. The way specific players are grouped together can be more informative than their individual statistics from the previous season.
- Study recent preseason games. Previous games provide additional context, but they must be compared with the lineups used.
- Determine the team's objective. A club evaluating a large number of young players should be analyzed differently from one that is gradually moving toward its regular-season lineup.
- Compare the available markets. After analyzing the roster and surrounding context, determine which market best matches the information you have gathered.
- Check the latest news. Preseason information can change quickly: a player may be given extra rest, a goaltender may switch roles with the backup, and line combinations may change.
Where to Find Information for NHL Preseason Analysis
We recommend using several types of sources when preparing a bet.
What you need to know | Where to look |
Roster | Official team or league website and social media |
Starting goaltender | Official team website or social media, and team reporters on the NHL website |
Injuries and absent players | Official team or league website and social media |
Statistics | Official NHL website and statistical portals |
News | Team reporters, official team website and league website |
Trends | The Trends section on Scores24 |
Odds | Official sportsbook websites and the NHL Preseason section on Scores24 |
Common Mistakes When Betting on the NHL Preseason
Relying Only on Last Season's Statistics
Results from the previous season help assess a team's general level, but they do not show which lineup will take the ice in a specific preseason game.
Ignoring the Lineup
This is one of the most significant mistakes. The same team can look very different within a span of just a few days depending on the actual players used.
Not Checking the Starting Goaltender
Replacing the main goaltender with a backup can noticeably change the conditions of the game.
Treating the Previous Game's Result as a Measure of Strength
A preseason win or loss should be considered together with the lineup, the goaltender and player ice time.
Overestimating the Favorite's Motivation
A well-known club will not necessarily use its strongest lineup or try to win a particular preseason game at any cost.
Ignoring Young Players
Young players may receive significantly more ice time than they would during the regular season. This affects the quality and style of the team's play.
Betting Too Early
The closer the game gets, the more information becomes available about lineups and goaltenders. As a result, the early line may differ significantly from the odds after current rosters are published.
Relying Only on the Team Name
A club's status and last season's results provide context, but in the preseason you need to analyze the specific lineup.
Applying Regular-Season Strategies Directly to the Preseason
Preseason games have a different structure of motivation, rosters and ice time. That means an approach used during the regular season cannot automatically be transferred to preseason games.
You can find more useful information, the schedule, odds, trends and predictions for all NHL Preseason games on Scores24.
FAQ
Can you bet on the NHL preseason?
Yes. Sportsbooks usually offer markets on NHL preseason games. However, analyzing these games differs from the regular season because of frequent roster, goaltender and ice-time rotation.
When does the NHL preseason start?
The preseason takes place immediately before the start of the regular season. In 2026, NHL preseason games begin on September 19.
Do preseason results matter?
Results provide some information, but on their own they do not always reflect a team's strength. You also need to consider the lineup and the coaching staff's objectives.
Do NHL regulars play in the preseason?
Yes. Regular NHL players may take part in preseason games, but their ice time is often limited. Coaches also actively use young and reserve players throughout the preparation period.
How can you find out the NHL starting goaltender?
You can look for information on the team's official website, social media accounts, press releases and from reporters who cover the team.
Why can NHL preseason odds change?
One reason is roster news. Information about the goaltender, the participation of a key player or changes to line combinations can affect sportsbook odds.
What bets are available on NHL preseason games?
Depending on the sportsbook, markets may include the match winner, handicap, game and team totals, individual periods and player props.
Can you bet on totals in the NHL preseason?
Yes. When analyzing totals, it is important to consider the goaltenders, defensive and attacking lineups, previous games and the expected ice time of key players.
Where can you find NHL team lineups?
Official NHL and team resources should be checked first. Additional information may be available from reporters and other sources that regularly cover specific teams.
