Last month, the Toronto Maple Leafs were written off as a potential playoff team. But what a difference a month and a coaching change make. Special teams coordinator Marc Savard was fired on December 22 and replaced by Steve Sullivan. Since that coaching change, the Maple Leafs have caught fire in NHL betting. Toronto has won nine of its 13 games with Sullivan running the power play. Now the Maple Leafs have a firm hold on the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
On Wednesday night, the resurgent Maple Leafs will host their ancient rival, the Detroit Red Wings. Consider that Detroit is breaking out and on pace for its first playoff campaign since 2016. It has taken general manager Steve Yzerman, the former Red Wing marquee man as a player, longer than what fans demanded. But his methodical approach and the hiring of head coach Todd McClellan have proven to be astute and wise.
Detroit Red Wings at Toronto Maple Leafs NHL Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 7 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON |
| TV Coverage: | TNT |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit Red Wings | +1½ ( -260 ) | 6½ ( +105 ) | EV |  |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | -1½ ( +210 ) | 6½ ( -125 ) | -120 | |
| ||||
Red Wings at Maple Leafs Betting Odds Analysis
The Red Wings and Maple Leafs are two of the biggest brands in the NHL and draw more betting traffic than most teams. A TNT telecast and the quality of the matchup will translate into significant wagering activity and strong TV viewership. Accordingly, sharps will like the road team sportsbook price on a quality Detroit team that has a better record than Toronto. While the casual sector will prefer Toronto on home ice and to ride the current momentum wave of the Maple Leafs.
Detroit Red Wings Team Overview
The Detroit Red Wings are 30-16-4 straight up and 26-24 over/under the total. Also, Detroit is tied with the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning for the Eastern Conference lead. Late on, Detroit has covered six out of its last seven games. At the same time, the Red Wings have gone under the total in two of their previous three matchups.
Overall, Detroit ranks 18th in goals scored and 6th in power-play efficiency. By contrast, the Red Wings rank 14th in goals against and 14th in penalty killing.
Toronto Maple Leafs Team Overview
The Toronto Maple Leafs are 24-16-8 straight up and 28-19 over/under the NHL betting total. Also, Toronto is eighth in the Eastern Conference playoff standings. Toronto is eight points behind the Lightning, Hurricanes, and Red Wings in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Toronto has covered one out of its last three games. The Maple Leafs have gone over the total in four of their previous five matchups.
Toronto ranks 4th in goals scored and 23rd in power-play efficiency. In turn, the Maple Leafs rank 24th in goals against and 3rd in penalty killing.
Red Wings at Maple Leafs Betting Trends
Detroit has held its own when playing on the road. To show, the Red Wings won seven of their last 11 away games. The Red Wings went over the total in four of their most recent six road tilts. Toronto has been printing money on home ice. Correlate that the Maple Leafs have won seven out of their last eight home games. The Maple Leafs went under the total in three of their last four home games.
In the series between the Maple Leafs and Red Wings, Detroit has controlled the payout window. To illustrate, the Red Wings got the cash in eight of their last 11 games with the Maple Leafs. Only two of the last seven games between Detroit and Toronto went under the total. Specifically in Toronto, the Red Wings came away with the cash in four of their last five visits. Three of the last five games in this series at Toronto went over the total.
Red Wings at Maple Leafs SBG Free Picks
In this situation, Detroit offers more value based on the road team discount and its strong recent form. Additionally, the Red Wings have had strong profits against the Maple Leafs.
Red Wings at Maple Leafs SBG Best Bet: Detroit Red Wings and Over the Total.