NHL Best Bets & DFS Cheat Sheet, 1/12: Picks, Predictions & Player Props
Published: Jan 12, 2026
Welcome to the Fantasy Alarm NHL Playbook. This is your all-in-one resource for everything DFS related for tonight's 9-game slate. Let’s dive into the action and see which players we should watch closely.
For NHL bets, we have a few matchups we could target, but we can’t pick them all. We’ll focus on two strong ones and hope the betting gods guide us to victory. You can access all expert picks, including mine, right here.
Season Record: 19-28
Season Bankroll: -10.45 Units
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NHL Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 1/12
Toronto Maple Leafs vs Colorado Avalanche Prediction
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been performing well lately, but their chances of winning against the Colorado Avalanche are about as likely as their odds of winning the Stanley Cup this decade—slim to none. The Avalanche are unbeaten at home and average over four goals per game in front of their fans. While Toronto's recent form is encouraging, they still struggle as a below-average team when playing at home. We're not falling for the hype, but we do expect the Avalanche to cover the Puck Line.
Edmonton Oilers vs Chicago Blackhawks Prediction
The Chicago Blackhawks currently have the fourth-best penalty kill in the league. However, that doesn’t deter me from considering Edmonton’s top power play unit. The Oilers boast the best man advantage by a significant margin, which is no surprise given they have superstar players like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard. McDavid has recorded at least one point in four consecutive games, so getting that betting prop at even money feels like a great opportunity. We're placing our trust in the best player in the world to shine on the top power play.
- Connor McDavid Over 0.5 Power Play Points (+100 on DraftKings Sportsbook)
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Today's NHL DFS Cheat Sheet & Stacks
Goalie of the Day: Jesper Wallstedt - MIN
There are several mediocre goalies starting tonight, many of whom come with high price tags. Consistency is key when selecting a goalie, which is why Jesper Wallstedt should be our primary target. The Wild have performed well throughout the season, while the Devils have struggled significantly. Wallstedt is more than capable of making numerous saves and providing great value.
Honourable Mention: Philipp Grubauer - SEA
Philipp Grubauer is having an impressive season, boasting an 8-3-2 record and a .925 save percentage, which ranks among the best in the NHL. Although Seattle struggles to score goals, they are fortunate that the Rangers have a tendency to allow goals, particularly on home ice. New York recently suffered a crushing 10-2 defeat against the Bruins, and Jonathan Quick hasn't won a start since November 7th. If you're looking for a goalie with potential, Grubauer is definitely a name to keep in mind.
Player of the Day: Nathan MacKinnon - COL
Choosing between Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon is always a tough decision, but tonight, one player stands out. MacKinnon and the Avalanche are nearly unbeatable on home ice. He has averaged over 22 fantasy points on DraftKings when playing at home, and he should be able to dominate against the Maple Leafs' below-average defense. If you're looking to invest in a superstar, MacKinnon is the one to pick.
Honourable Mention: Connor Bedard - CHI
In the battle between the Connors, our focus will be on Bedard. While McDavid is a significant threat and will likely appear on the score sheet, he tends to underperform on the road. Bedard, on the other hand, has scored 19 goals this season, with 13 of those occurring at home. He also averages more shots on goal in front of Blackhawks fans. Additionally, the game script should work in Bedard's favor. Given his price point, we could see an outstanding performance from the young player.
Value Play of the Day: Shane Wright - SEA
Shane Wright has recorded only 15 points this season, with 11 of those points coming on the road. He is currently playing on the third line alongside Jared McCann and Berkley Catton, both of whom are capable goal scorers. Considering that the Rangers struggle at home, this third line is likely to face favorable matchups, which increases Wright's potential given his $3,300 price tag. If you're looking for an affordable forward, he is definitely a player to consider.
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