NHL goalie shutouts: betting on zero goals against
A shutout prop is a bet that a goalie allows no goals in the game. Shutouts are rare, so the Yes side pays a long price. The goalie usually must play the whole game.
Reviewed Oct 15, 2026
Answer first
90s- 01A shutout means zero goals against.
- 02Most goalies post few each season.
- 03The goalie must usually start and finish.
Key numbers
Shutouts at a glance
In short
Key takeaways
- Confirm the starting goalie.
- Check the other team scoring rate.
- Read the overtime and shootout rules.
- Shutouts are rare; stakes should be small.
Progress
How a shutout prop settles
- 1
Start
Named goalie starts
- 2
Play
Regulation and overtime
- 3
Goals against
Must stay at zero
- 4
Settle
Win or lose
Shootout goals usually do not count against a shutout.
Goalie props
| Market | You bet on | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Shutout Yes/No | Zero goals allowed | Starter news |
| Saves over/under | Number of saves | Shot volume |
| Goals against | Over or under | Opponent attack |
| Save percentage | Rarely offered | Book rules |
Names vary by book.
Why shutouts are rare
NHL teams average close to three goals a game. Keeping the other team at zero for 60 minutes takes strong play and some luck.
Top goalies post about 3 to 6 shutouts in a season of 50 to 60 starts. That is roughly one start in ten at best.
Rough shutout chances
| Matchup | Chance | Fair price |
|---|---|---|
| Strong team vs weak attack | 8% to 10% | +900 to +1150 |
| Even matchup | 5% to 6% | +1550 to +1900 |
| Weak team vs strong attack | 2% to 3% | +3200 to +4900 |
Rough guide; books add margin.
Empty nets and pulled goalies
If your goalie is pulled for an extra skater, he is off the ice. A goal into the empty net is not charged to him.
If the other team pulls its goalie late, the shutout is still on the line. A late goal ends it.
Sequence
Betting a shutout prop
Step 01
Confirm the starter
Morning skate news.
Step 02
Check the opponent
Goals per game.
Step 03
Check back-to-backs
Tired teams.
Step 04
Read the rules
Overtime and pulls.
Step 05
Keep stakes small
Long shot.
A worked example
You bet $10 on a shutout at +1200. The game ends 2-0 with your goalie in net all game.
Your bet wins and returns $130. Had the other team scored once, the bet would lose.
Totals and shutouts
A low game total, like 5.5, points to fewer goals and a better shutout chance.
A total of 6.5 with a weak defense on your side makes a shutout less likely.
Check the team total for the opponent. A team total of 2.5 or lower is a good sign. A shutout in a playoff game counts the same way, though playoff overtime has no shootout and can run long.
Common mistakes
- Betting before the starter is known
- Wait for confirmation.
- Big stakes on a long shot
- Shutouts are rare.
- Ignoring overtime rules
- It usually counts.
- Forgetting relief goalies
- A change can void or lose.
Goalies and schedules
Teams often rest their top goalie on the second night of a back-to-back. The backup starts instead.
Backups face more shots on average, so their shutout prices are longer.
Confirm the starter at the morning skate or through team news before you bet. Shutout props are often listed only for the starting goalies on the day of the game.
Floor rules
Shutout terms
Know before you sit
- Shutout
- A full game with no goals allowed.
- Starter
- The goalie who begins the game.
- Back-to-back
- Games on two days in a row.
- Goals against
- Goals allowed by the goalie.
- Pulled goalie
- A goalie taken off for an extra skater.
Reading the price
A price of +1000 implies a chance of about 9%. A price of +2000 implies about 5%.
If your view of the chance is lower than the implied chance, the bet is not worth it.
Long shots carry the highest margins, so compare several books.
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01Basics
What is a goalie shutout prop?
A bet that a named goalie allows no goals during the game. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
Does overtime count?
Usually yes. A goal in overtime ends the shutout for most books. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
Do shootout goals count?
No. Shootout goals are not charged to the goalie in NHL stats. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
02Rules
What if the goalie is replaced?
Many books grade the bet a loss if he does not finish, or void it if he does not start.
Is a team shutout different?
Yes. A team shutout counts zero goals against the team, even if two goalies play.
What if the game is postponed?
Bets are usually void if the game is not played within the set time. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
03Strategy
When are shutouts more likely?
Against weak attacks, on low totals and when the other team is tired. Rules differ between licensed sportsbooks, so read the house rules.
Is the Yes side good value?
Compare the price with the rough chance first; margins on long shots are often high.
Where can I get help?
If betting stops being fun, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER for free, private help any time of day.
Sources
- NHL — Official rules Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Goals, overtime and shootouts
- Hockey Reference — NHL stats Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Goalie and shutout statistics
- Wizard of Odds — Sports betting Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry)The gaming industry’s standard reference for casino-game math, by actuary Michael Shackleford. Not an official registry; our calculators compute these numbers independently. · accessed Oct 15, 2026Sports betting math
- National Council on Problem Gambling — Help and resources Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Free, confidential help: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER