Last Updated on January 21, 2026 1:29 pm by Anthony Rome
The Red Wings are 7-2-1 over their last 10 games but are the Maple Leafs the better play as a slight home favorite at 7:00 p.m. ET? Will that same game cash the over for bettors? Will the Penguins take down the Flames in Calgary at 9:30 p.m. ET? Our Wednesday NHL Best Bets Jan. 21 column breaks down these matchups.
NHL Best Bet: Maple Leafs -112 (vs. Red Wings)
Why this makes sense:
The Leafs are solid favorites on the moneyline at home (around -112) versus the Red Wings. Toronto’s home record and recent resurgence have them trending up, and Detroit has shown defensive lapses in several recent games. Auston Matthews and William Nylander continue to drive Toronto’s attack, and the Leafs have been much stronger at Scotiabank Arena — particularly against teams below them in the divisional hierarchy. Detroit has a fine overall record, but Toronto’s home advantage and offensive upside make them worthy ML favorites in this one.
Bet: Toronto Maple Leafs -112
NHL Best Bet: Red Wings/Maple Leafs over 6.5
This Atlantic Division tilt projects as a high-event game tonight. Toronto has combined for more than 6.5 goals in 7 of its last 10 home games and shows offensive firepower at Scotiabank Arena. Detroit’s recent outings have also featured elevated scoring, and with both teams capable of producing goals, the over 6.5 total looks like solid value. Trends indicate this total has hit in a strong portion of recent matchups between these clubs.
Bet: Over 6.5 Goals — TOTAL PLAY
NHL Best Bet: Penguins -115 (at Flames)
The Penguins arrive in Calgary off a spirited road trip and feature skilled forwards like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin who have driven recent success. Meanwhile, the Flames have been inconsistent and are under .500 overall. Oddsmakers have the Penguins as modest favorites around -115 on the moneyline, making this a reasonable straight-up play that fits your under-150 standard and gives us a strong chance at cashing.
Bet: Pittsburgh Penguins -115
Wednesday NHL Best Bets Jan. 21
- Toronto Maple Leafs -112
- Red Wings/Maple Leafs over 6.5
- Pittsburgh Penguins -115
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