NHL Best Bets Today – Tuesday, October 21 2025

By: Dean Whitaker Published 10/21/2025, 12:53 PM ET
Avalanche vs Kings prediction
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Tuesday’s NHL slate is packed with value, and we’re hitting the ice red hot after going 13-5 over our last 18 NHL Best Bets! Confidence is sky-high as we’ve locked in three elite plays backed by stats, trends, and matchup edges. The goal: stay hot and keep cashing all night long!

If you’re looking to cross-check the books and put some cash in your pocket, check out our free NHL picks

NHL Best Bet #1 - Devils/Leafs In A Defensive Battle

New Jersey and Toronto meet tonight at Scotiabank Arena with the total set at 6, and the matchup leans toward a lower‑scoring outcome. The Devils have been sharp defensively to start the season, allowing just 15 goals through five games (3.0 per game) while riding a four‑game win streak. Jake Allen has been steady in net with a .934 save percentage, and New Jersey’s penalty kill has been elite, operating at 95%. Offensively, they’ve been efficient but not overwhelming, averaging 3.8 goals per game, and their style of play on the road tends to slow the pace and limit high‑danger chances.

Toronto, meanwhile, has scored 22 goals in six games but has also shown inconsistency, particularly on the power play, converting at just 14.3%. Anthony Stolarz is expected to start in net, and while the Leafs’ defense has allowed 20 goals, they’ve generally kept games close, with four of their six contests decided by a single goal. Both teams are disciplined in limiting penalties, and with two capable goaltenders and strong defensive structures, this matchup sets up well for a tighter contest. Add in that New Jersey and Toronto have combined to stay under the total in the majority of their early games, and the under 6 looks like the sharper side tonight.

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Best Bet #1

  • New Jersey/Toronto Under 6

NHL Best Bet #2 - Blues Take Down The Kings

St. Louis returns home tonight to face Los Angeles, and the Blues look well‑positioned to build on their recent momentum. They’re coming off a 3–1 win over Dallas and have now taken points in four of their last five games. Jordan Binnington has been steady in net, and the Blues’ defensive structure has tightened after a shaky start, holding opponents to just four goals over their last two outings. Offensively, Jake Neighbours and Jimmy Snuggerud have provided timely scoring support, while Pavel Buchnevich continues to drive playmaking on the top line. With home ice advantage and a strong recent track record against the Kings, including points in five straight head‑to‑head matchups, St. Louis has the edge in this spot.

The Kings, meanwhile, limp into Enterprise Center at 1‑3‑2 and are still searching for consistency. They’ve dropped three of their last four, including a 4–3 overtime loss to Carolina, and their defense has been leaky, allowing 23 goals through six games. Anton Forsberg is expected to start in net, but his .870 save percentage underscores the struggles Los Angeles has had keeping pucks out of their net. With captain Anze Kopitar sidelined by injury, the Kings are leaning heavily on Adrian Kempe and Quinton Byfield for offense, but depth scoring has been scarce. Against a Blues team that has dominated this series at home—winning three straight at Enterprise Center—the matchup tilts toward St. Louis to secure another victory.

  • St Louis -130 over LA Kings

NHL Best Bet #3 - The Mammoth Can't Hang With The Avs

Colorado heads into Salt Lake City tonight as a -138 favorite against Utah, and the Avalanche bring both form and matchup edges into this Central Division clash. Colorado is off to a 5‑0‑1 start, riding a three‑game win streak that includes a 4–1 win over Boston in which they outshot the Bruins 38–14. Nathan MacKinnon and Martin Nečas have been electric, combining for 20 points through six games, while Scott Wedgewood has been rock‑solid in net with a 1.48 GAA and .938 save percentage. The Avs have allowed just nine goals all season, the fewest in the NHL, and their defensive structure has been suffocating. Even with a power play that’s still finding its rhythm (12% conversion), Colorado’s even‑strength dominance makes them a tough out.

Utah has been a pleasant surprise at 4‑2, winning three straight including a 3–2 victory over Boston, but they’ve benefited from timely scoring more than sustained pressure. Nick Schmaltz and Clayton Keller have carried the offense, while Karel Vejmelka has been steady in net with a 90.1% save rate. Still, the Mammoth have struggled on special teams, ranking 27th in power‑play efficiency (12%) and just 74% on the penalty kill. Against a Colorado team that controls possession and limits high‑danger looks better than anyone in the league, Utah’s margin for error is slim. With the Avalanche 5‑1 in their last six as a moneyline favorite and boasting the NHL’s best goal differential (+12), laying -138 with Colorado is the sharper side tonight.

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  • Colorado -138

Recapping Today's NHL Best Bets

  • New Jersey/Toronto Under 6
  • St Louis -130 over LA Kings
  • Colorado -138 over Utah

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