NHL Highest Scoring Period Betting
2025-2026 NHL Highest Scoring Period Stats
Legend
- GP: Games played by the team
- GF P1: Goals scored by the team in 1st period
- GF OT: Goals scored by the team in overtime
- GA P1: Goals scored by the team’s opponents in 1st period
- GA OT: Goals scored by the team’s opponents in overtime
- League: Average for all the above table headers
What Is NHL Highest Scoring Period Betting?
An NHL hockey game is broken down into three separate 20-minute periods, with overtime if the game is still tied after 60 minutes of regular time.
When we are betting on the highest-scoring period, we are trying to determine which of the three periods will have the most combined goals by both teams.
If a game goes into overtime, any goal scored in extra play will not impact this wager. Overtime goals are not included in third-period scoring totals.
If you like this page, you might also enjoy checking out our NHL goalscorer stats page, where you can find all the stats to place your next goalscorer bet.
Best Sportsbooks for NHL Highest Scoring Period Betting
NHL Highest Scoring Period betting allows bettors to predict which period of a game will feature the most goals. These wagers are popular because scoring patterns can vary significantly throughout a game based on team styles, goaltending, special teams opportunities, and late-game situations.
DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings offers NHL Highest Scoring Period betting across many regular-season and playoff games. Bettors can choose between the first, second, or third period while utilizing scoring trends and matchup data to make informed wagers.
The sportsbook also features extensive hockey props and same-game parlay options that can complement period-based betting strategies.
Pros:
- Extensive NHL specialty betting markets
- Strong hockey statistical resources
- Same-game parlay availability
- Broad player prop selection
Cons:
- Specialty odds can move quickly
- Market availability varies by matchup
FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel provides Highest Scoring Period betting on a variety of NHL matchups throughout the season. Bettors can analyze team scoring distributions and game flow trends when evaluating which period may produce the most offense.
The platform offers an intuitive betting experience and a strong menu of hockey wagering options.
Pros:
- Competitive specialty betting odds
- User-friendly mobile platform
- Strong NHL betting coverage
- Frequent sportsbook promotions
Cons:
- Some specialty markets are game-dependent
- Odds can fluctuate near puck drop
BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGMÂ includes Highest Scoring Period betting as part of its comprehensive NHL wagering lineup. Bettors can pair these wagers with period betting, totals, and player props for additional betting flexibility.
The sportsbook maintains broad hockey coverage throughout both the regular season and Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Pros:
- Strong specialty betting coverage
- Broad NHL wagering menu
- Regular sportsbook promotions
- Extensive futures markets
Cons:
- Market availability varies by jurisdiction
- Some niche hockey props may be limited
Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook features NHL Highest Scoring Period betting on a wide selection of games throughout the year. Bettors can focus on period-specific scoring outcomes while also exploring live betting and traditional game markets.
The sportsbook offers comprehensive hockey coverage from opening night through the Stanley Cup Final.
Pros:
- Reliable specialty betting markets
- Caesars Rewards integration
- Strong hockey coverage
- Multiple wagering options
Cons:
- Some specialty markets vary by game
- Odds can move quickly before puck drop
bet365 Sportsbook
Bet365Â showcases one of the deepest NHL specialty betting menus available, including Highest Scoring Period wagers. Bettors can access alternative period markets, live betting opportunities, and a wide range of hockey props.
The sportsbook is especially popular among bettors who enjoy detailed wagering menus and in-game betting.
Pros:
- Extensive specialty betting options
- Strong live betting functionality
- Numerous alternate hockey markets
- Deep NHL wagering coverage
Cons:
- Large menu may overwhelm new users
- Market availability varies by location
BetRivers Sportsbook
BetRivers offers Highest Scoring Period betting throughout the NHL season and postseason. Bettors can review team scoring trends by period and evaluate matchup dynamics when making selections.
The platform delivers a straightforward betting experience while maintaining strong hockey market coverage.
Pros:
- Competitive specialty betting odds
- Easy-to-use sportsbook interface
- Strong NHL betting menu
- Multiple wagering options
Cons:
- Fewer alternate markets than some competitors
- Promotions vary by jurisdiction
Hard Rock Bet
Hard Rock Bet incorporates Highest Scoring Period betting into its growing NHL betting portfolio. Bettors can wager on which period will generate the most goals while also exploring player props, period betting, and futures markets.
The sportsbook provides a streamlined experience and updates odds regularly as game day approaches.
Pros:
- Clean and intuitive platform
- Competitive specialty betting odds
- Strong NHL coverage
- Growing selection of betting markets
Cons:
- Available markets vary by location
- Fewer specialty options than larger operators
How Does NHL Highest Scoring Period Work?
A sportsbook will provide odds for all three periods and odds for a tie in case the same amount of goals is scored in two or more periods.
A bettor must determine which period will have the most combined goals scored in it. If they can do so correctly, then they will win their bet.
How NHL Highest Scoring Period Odds Work
There will be four different odds a bettor must look at before placing their NHL highest-scoring period wager.
Example Odds: NY Islanders vs. Carolina Hurricanes
| Period | Odds |
| First | +360 |
| Second | +195 |
| Third | +235 |
| Tie | +225 |
In our example game above, we can see that the sportsbook has listed the second period as the “favorite” or the period most likely to have the most goals scored. We know this because the second period has the lowest odds at +195.
Each sportsbook will have its own determination of which period is most likely to have the most amount of combined goals.
Historically, there is not an even amount of goals scored across all three periods, which explains why the odds differ between all of our betting options.
Bettors must factor in close games and empty net opportunities when deciding which period they want to bet.
Using The BestOdds.com NHL Highest Scoring Period Table
The BestOdds.com NHL highest scoring table will provide valuable information for bettors interested in playing this type of wager.
Stats will be broken down into several key categories, benefiting those researching games before placing their bet.
From an individual team perspective, the standings page will document recent and year-long results and home and away trends.
The standings page will also provide a bettor with a unique opportunity to analyze league-wide trends because all 32 NHL teams will be tracked and included.
Looking at league-wide trends before focusing on two teams matched up is a huge benefit for those interested in betting on NHL’s highest-scoring period.
NHL Highest Scoring Period Strategies
One of the interesting strategies around this wager is using odds to determine if the final score is expected to be close by the sportsbooks.
Hockey is different from many sports in that if a game is close towards the end of regulation, teams can alter their strategy and become ultra-aggressive by pulling their goalie in favor of an extra attacker.
The additional attacker is their best chance to score a late goal to force overtime.
At the same time, a team who pulls their goalie for an extra attacker is also at risk of giving up a goal from almost anywhere on the ice.
Games, where a goalie is removed in favor of another offensive player will often have a goal scored that otherwise would not have happened.Â
Bettors who recognize this opportunity may want to lean on the third period as the highest-scoring period, as empty net goals can often be the deciding factor.
Shop Around
For many of us who enjoy betting on all kinds of sports, a lot of the enjoyment and fun comes from spending time in the data-science lab, diving through the stats and analytics that help us make our final betting decisions.
Of course, doing your research before placing a bet is always important. However, it has been proven numerous times that a bettor can find the most significant edge by shopping around for the Best Odds available.
| Period | DraftKings | BetMGM | FanDuel |
| First Period | +310 | +330 | +330 |
| Second Period | +210 | +260 | +235 |
| Third Period | +240 | +235 | +210 |
| Draw (Tie) | +230 | N/A | +235 |
Our table above is an excellent example of why shopping around for your Best Odds provides a bettor with their biggest advantage over the sportsbooks.
Of the three sportsbooks we have sourced for our above bet, we can see that the odds vary for all three periods.Â
For this specific wager, shopping around for your Best Odds could mean a difference of 25% ROI if a bettor wanted to gamble on the second period being the highest scoring frame.
Throughout an NHL season, a difference of 25% in your overall ROI is significant and could quite easily be the difference between being profitable or not.
Looking for more stats? Check out the NFL Highest Scoring Quarter stats for betting.
