NHL Predictions for March 18, 2026 - Free Picks & Best Bets

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. New Jersey's impressive 55.99% Corsi rate and 57.4% expected goals percentage make them one of the league's most dangerous offensive machines. 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.

The Rangers counter with Ilja Shesterkin, one of hockey's most impressive goaltenders, posting a 22-13-6 record with a strong GSAA (goals saved above average). However, New York's underlying metrics are concerning—a 47.36% CF% and 46.43% xGF% at home suggest they've been getting outplayed on the ice despite good results. 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 51.0% (New York Rangers 49.0%) — 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. The Hurricanes still dominate analytically with a 59.96% CF% and 58.95% xGF% at home—elite underlying numbers. Yet fatigue is a real factor in hockey, and Pittsburgh's been competitive recently with three wins in their last five games.

Sidney Crosby and the Penguins enter as the underdog despite Pittsburgh's respectable 48.62% CF%, but the exhaustion factor working against Carolina cannot be ignored entirely. 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 54.1% (Pittsburgh Penguins 45.9%) — 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

Ottawa is one of the league's hottest teams and brings an exceptional 54.96% CF% and 57.69% xGF% into Washington's Capital One Arena. 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.

Washington's 47.89% CF% and 48.62% xGF% at home suggest they're relying on Logan Thompson (22-19-5) to steal games rather than dominating play themselves. The Capitals have won only two of their last five, and they face a well-rested opponent playing exceptional hockey. This is precisely the type of matchup where Ottawa's elite underlying metrics should translate to results.

WP Hockey Predictor Pick: Ottawa Senators 55.5% (Washington Capitals 44.5%) — 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. The Stars' 54.3% CF% and 57.73% xGF% demonstrate they're not just winning games; they're dominating play. 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.

Colorado boasts an impressive 57.73% CF% and can point to their home-ice advantage, but their xGF% (54.32%) suggests they're not generating quite the same quality of chances as Dallas. 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 52.9% (Colorado Avalanche 47.1%) — Despite being priced as the underdog, Dallas's superior underlying metrics and elite goaltending create a slight edge in what projects to be a close, competitive game.

Blues @ Flames

St. Louis enters this Western Conference matchup riding three wins in their last five games, a team that's been increasingly solid despite modest underlying numbers. The Blues' 46.66% CF% and 44.67% xGF% aren't particularly impressive, yet they've found ways to win with Jordan Hofer (17-11-4) and their depth scoring. Two days of rest provides the Blues with a slight advantage over Calgary's normal schedule turnaround.

Calgary is struggling significantly at 2-7-1, and while they're not being completely dominated (47.06% CF%), their 40.71% xGF% reveals they're in genuine trouble. 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 55.5% (Calgary Flames 44.5%) — 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. The Flyers' 45.95% CF% and 44.32% xGF% aren't dominant, but Philly's been competitive and has found ways to win close games. Daniel Vladar (21-11-7) provides solid goaltending support for the visiting Flyers.

Anaheim sits at 6-4-0 but their underlying metrics reveal vulnerabilities: a 50.83% CF% looks healthy on the surface, but their 49.69% xGF% suggests they're not driving as much play as the possession stat implies. 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 50.7% (Anaheim Ducks 49.3%) — 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. For detailed breakdowns on each contest, try WP Hockey Predictor, our free tool that incorporates Corsi, expected goals, high-danger chances, and goalie metrics to generate precise win probabilities. Our advanced analytics give you the edge you need when making your free NHL picks.