NHL Predictions | Maple Leafs, Penguins, Kings Best Bets Today

NHL Best Bets for Wednesday Night

As the NHL season heats up, Wednesday’s slate offers several strong betting opportunities. We’ve identified three key matchups where underlying analytics and recent trends suggest betting value. Whether it’s an improving Toronto Maple Leafs squad, a Los Angeles Kings team poised for a turnaround, or a Pittsburgh Penguins side due for better results, these picks give us an edge on the ice. Let’s break them down.

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Minnesota Wild vs Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs may not be as dominant as in previous seasons, but they’re starting to hit their stride. Despite recent losses, they’ve controlled play in three of their last four outings, generating a surge in high-danger chances—12+ in their previous two games. Their offensive efficiency is trending upward, and it’s only a matter of time before that translates into more wins.

On the other side, the Minnesota Wild are struggling to find consistency. Since January 11, they’ve been outplayed in five of their last eight contests and hold a 43.6% expected goals-for rating, one of the NHL’s worst marks over that stretch. Their defensive inefficiencies make them vulnerable against a Leafs team that thrives when given space to attack.

Given the disparity in recent form, the Maple Leafs Moneyline (-178) holds solid value as the team looks to capitalize on its improving play.

Best Bet: Maple Leafs Moneyline (-178)

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Los Angeles Kings vs Florida Panthers

The Los Angeles Kings have dropped two straight on their five-game road trip, but their on-ice performance suggests a turnaround is coming. Despite the losses, they’ve dominated play, posting scores above 65.0% in both games. Even more importantly, when they faced the Florida Panthers last week, they controlled 67.2% of expected goals, thoroughly outplaying the defending champs.

Meanwhile, the Panthers have shown some defensive cracks. They’ve allowed 13+ high-danger chances in two of their last three games, including when they last faced LA. In addition, they’ve been out-chanced in three of their previous four, signaling a potential downturn.

With the Kings playing better hockey than their results indicate and Florida showing signs of defensive regression, there’s significant value in backing Los Angeles Moneyline (+134) as an underdog in this rematch.

Best Bet: Kings Moneyline (+134)

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Pittsburgh Penguins vs Utah Hockey Club

The Pittsburgh Penguins continue to underperform in the standings, but their underlying numbers tell a different story. Despite winning just one of their last five games, they’ve outplayed their opponents in four of them, maintaining their typically structured defensive approach. Over their previous two games, they’ve also ramped up offensively, generating 27 high-danger chances, surpassing 11 in both outings.

Their opponent, the Utah Hockey Club, has been trending in the wrong direction. Utah has surrendered 26 quality chances over its last two games, leading to a decline in its expected goals-for percentage. They’ve been outplayed in two straight and three of their previous four, putting them at a clear disadvantage against a Penguins team that’s been better than its record suggests.

This is a prime spot to back Pittsburgh Moneyline (+118) at plus odds as they look to capitalize on Utah’s recent struggles.

Best Bet: Penguins Moneyline (+118)

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These three picks align with recent team trends and advanced analytics, making them strong plays for Wednesday’s NHL slate. The Maple Leafs (-178) should continue their recent offensive surge against a struggling Wild team, the Kings (+134) offer value against a Panthers squad showing defensive vulnerability, and the Penguins (+118) are due for positive regression against a faltering Utah side. Let’s cash in on another profitable night of hockey betting.

*All Odds Courtesy FanDuel