Archive note: Technical commentary has been removed. This remains historical pregame coverage; original selections have been retained where stated.
Calgary Flames vs New Jersey Devils Prediction - March 12, 2026
Note: Final picks on our picks page may differ from this article's prediction, as they incorporate last-minute goalie confirmations, injury updates, and live odds closer to game time. Always check the picks page for the most up-to-date selections.
The Calgary Flames travel to New Jersey for a matchup between two teams heading in opposite directions. While Calgary has struggled to find consistency, the Devils are riding hot form with four wins in their last five games.
Team Form & Recent Performance
The Flames are in rough shape, posting just one win across their last five games (3-6-1 overall). The Devils, by contrast, are surging. They've won four of five and sit at 4-6-0, suggesting their recent form has been a dramatic turnaround from earlier struggles.
New Jersey also benefits from significantly better rest, arriving with three days between games compared to Calgary's single day of recovery. While this isn't a true back-to-back situation for either team, the extra preparation time could give the Devils a tactical edge in a game where execution matters.
Goalie Matchup
Calgary starts D. Wolf (18-24-3), a goalie struggling with a losing record and mediocre performance this season. New Jersey counters with J. Markstrom (19-15-1), who sports a winning record and has been steady for a Devils team that's found its footing recently. Markstrom's record suggests he's facing better team play, and that advantage should continue here.
Injury Impact
Calgary enters this matchup severely compromised on the injury front. The Flames are without Sam Reinhart (Day-To-Day), Seth Jones (Upper Body, IR-LT), and Jonah Gadjovich (Upper Body, IR-LT), among others. Losing key contributors on both offense and defense significantly impacts Calgary's ability to execute their system and weather an opponent's pressure.
New Jersey, meanwhile, has no reported injuries, allowing them full roster flexibility and tactical options. This health disparity is substantial and favors the Devils considerably.
Prediction
According to WP Hockey Predictor, the New Jersey Devils are favored to win with a Confident confidence tier, while the Calgary Flames hold a chance. Our NHL picks lean toward the Devils in this matchup.
The recommendation favors New Jersey. Calgary's four-game struggle and mounting injuries make them a difficult team to back at this stage.
For deeper analysis, run your own prediction using WP Hockey Predictor's calculator to see how different factors influence the outcome.
Note: Final picks on our picks page may differ from this article's prediction, as they incorporate last-minute goalie confirmations, injury updates, and live odds closer to game time. Always check the picks page for the most up-to-date selections.