Archive note: Technical commentary has been removed. This remains historical pregame coverage; original selections have been retained where stated.
Note: Final picks on our picks page may differ from this article's predictions, 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.
NHL Predictions for March 18, 2026 - Free Picks & Best Bets
March 18 brings a compelling six-game slate with several marquee matchups that could shift the playoff picture. From a Metro Division showdown in New York to a potential Western Conference battle between Dallas and Colorado, today's NHL predictions showcase some of the league's best teams facing off. Let's dive into our free NHL picks for each contest.
Devils @ Rangers
The New Jersey Devils bring their elite possession game into Madison Square Garden for what amounts to a heavyweight clash in the Atlantic Division. The Devils have won three of their last five and come in with the advantage of playing at their typical pace against a Rangers team that's been solid but not dominant at home.
Jacob Markstrom has been a stabilizing force for New Jersey (20-16-1), allowing his skaters to play their aggressive style.
WP Hockey Predictor Pick: New Jersey Devils (New York Rangers)— This is an exceptionally tight matchup, with the Devils' superior possession and shot-generation metrics giving them a razor-thin edge over the Rangers' goaltending advantage.
Penguins @ Hurricanes
Carolina's third-period call to Madison Square Garden last night leaves the Hurricanes on a back-to-back with zero days rest, a significant disadvantage entering this Atlantic Division affair. Yet fatigue is a real factor in hockey, and Pittsburgh's been competitive recently with three wins in their last five games.
Frederik Andersen (11-11-5) will need a strong performance to keep the Hurricanes in this game, while Tristan Skinner provides the Penguins with a reliable veteran presence (20-13-8). The back-to-back situation is genuine adversity for the hosts.
WP Hockey Predictor Pick: Carolina Hurricanes (Pittsburgh Penguins)— Despite the back-to-back burden, Carolina's dominant possession metrics push them to a slight favorite, though Pittsburgh has value as an underdog in this spot.
Senators @ Capitals
The Senators have won four of their last five games and come in with superior rest (two days), a luxury against a Capitals squad that's been merely above average at home. Linus Ullmark (21-9-7) has been a stabilizing force behind Ottawa's strong defensive play, though the real edge here is the Senators' ability to generate high-quality chances.
The Capitals have won only two of their last five, and they face a well-rested opponent playing exceptional hockey.
WP Hockey Predictor Pick: Ottawa Senators (Washington Capitals)— The Senators' possession advantage and superior form make them clear favorites against a Capitals team that's been outshot and outchanced consistently at home.
Stars @ Avalanche
Dallas brings an 8-1-1 record into this Western Conference heavyweight bout, one of the league's most impressive records. Jake Oettinger (28-10-5) has been exceptional, providing Dallas with a massive goaltending advantage. Even on the road against a talented Avalanche team, the Stars enter as slight favorites despite being listed as the underdog.
Mikko Rantanen and company have been solid (6-4-0), yet they've won only two of their last five games. Mackenzie Blackwood (18-8-1) has been tremendous, but matching Oettinger's elite play is a significant ask.
WP Hockey Predictor Pick: Dallas Stars against Colorado Avalanche.
Blues @ Flames
Two days of rest provides the Blues with a slight advantage over Calgary's normal schedule turnaround.
Dan Wolf (19-25-3) has had a rough season in net, making St. Louis's offensively challenged attack feel like a considerable burden for the Flames to overcome. This is a matchup where St. Louis's stability and recent form should prevail.
WP Hockey Predictor Pick: St. Louis Blues (Calgary Flames) — The Blues' recent form and rested advantage, combined with Calgary's offensive struggles and goaltending concerns, make St. Louis a solid favorite in this Western Conference battle.
Flyers @ Ducks
Philadelphia enters with three wins in their last five games and comes in with exceptional rest (three days), a significant advantage against a Ducks team operating on normal rest. Daniel Vladar (21-11-7) provides solid goaltending support for the visiting Flyers.
John Gibson would normally provide a massive advantage in net, but Lukas Dostal (27-15-2) has been unexpectedly excellent this season. The three-day rest advantage for Philadelphia may be the deciding factor in this tight Western Conference matchup.
WP Hockey Predictor Pick: Philadelphia Flyers (Anaheim Ducks)— This is as close as matchups come, with Philadelphia's significant rest advantage providing just enough edge to push them to a slight favorite against a talented Ducks team.
These six matchups showcase the depth of talent in today's NHL.
Note: Final picks on our picks page may differ from this article's predictions, 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.