Wednesday NHL Best Bets Feb. 25:

Last Updated on February 25, 2026 5:39 pm by Anthony Rome

Hockey is back in full swing after the Olympic break, and the Wednesday slate features seven exciting matchups with playoff implications, star returns, and intriguing goaltending duels. From Buffalo’s road test in New Jersey to a marquee showdown between the Maple Leafs and Lightning, there’s plenty to break down for bettors. Continue reading our Wednesday NHL Best Bets Feb. 25 column for tonight’s selections.

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NHL Best Bets: Sabres @ Devils — 7:00 PM ET

Line (example): Sabres ML –105 / Devils ML –105

Matchup Insight:
The Buffalo Sabres visit the New Jersey Devils in a battle between two competitive East clubs. Buffalo’s been aggressive offensively, while New Jersey’s strength has been more defensive and structured this season. New Jersey has home-ice nuance and slightly more consistency in tight games.

📈 Betting Angle:
This one projects to be tight — goaltending and special teams could be decisive here. With both sides near pick-em odds, value leans toward taking the Devils at home, especially in a low-margin game where puck luck matters.

Suggested Pick: Devils -107

NHL Best Bets: Maple Leafs @ Lightning — 7:30 PM ET | TNT/HBO Max/truTV

Matchup Insight:
This is the spotlight game of the night. The Toronto Maple Leafs travel south to take on the Tampa Bay Lightning, a perennial contender. Toronto’s veteran core just welcomed back Auston Matthews, who rejoined just in time to face Tampa Bay, adding major firepower to their attack.

Tampa Bay has been one of the NHL’s top teams this season, combining elite special teams, top goaltending, and experience.

📈 Betting Angle:
This line should stay competitive. With Matthews back, Toronto’s offense gets a serious boost — but Tampa Bay’s balanced scoring and depth still makes them very tough at home. In a marquee matchup like this, goaltending and discipline (power play/penalty kill) will decide the victor.

Suggested Pick: Lightning -1.5 (+114)

NHL Best Bets: Kraken @ Stars — 8:00 PM ET

Matchup Insight:
The Seattle Kraken hit the road to face the Dallas Stars. Seattle has leaned on its defense and structured systems, while Dallas brings a high-tempo offense that can exploit turnovers.

📈 Betting Angle:
This contest should be close. Dallas is a tough home opponent, but Seattle’s allowed goals at a middle-of-the-league rate; bettors might find better value on the Unders or puck-line prices if Dallas doesn’t cover the spread.

Suggested Pick: Stars -160