NHL Predictions for March 19, 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.

March 19 brings an 11-game slate with several intriguing matchups that will test playoff positioning across the league. The Buffalo Sabres continue their remarkable season against San Jose, while Columbus hosts a Rangers team playing on fumes with a back-to-back situation. Meanwhile, the undefeated Utah Mammoth face a Vegas squad desperate for wins. Let's break down today's NHL predictions using advanced analytics.

Jets vs Bruins

Winnipeg travels to Boston in a tight matchup between two evenly-matched teams. The Bruins hold a slight edge in Corsi at 50.25% compared to Winnipeg's 49.34%, but the Jets counter with a 50.82% expected goals advantage. Both clubs have posted identical 2-win stretches over their last five games, showing comparable recent form heading into this contest.

Goaltending could be the differentiator here. Jeremy Swayman carries an impressive 26-14-4 record for Boston, while Connor Hellebuyck arrives with a 17-18-10 mark. The Bruins' home-ice advantage combined with Swayman's pedigree gives Boston the edge in this matchup. WP Hockey Predictor's pick: Boston Bruins (51.0%) over Winnipeg Jets (49.0%).

Islanders vs Senators

Ottawa hosts the Islanders in what could be a pivotal matchup despite the Senators playing on zero days rest after a back-to-back. Don't sleep on the home team's underlying numbers—Ottawa's 56.15% Corsi and 56.74% expected goals percentage are elite indicators of dominant play. The Senators have won three of their last five despite the fatigue factor.

New York comes in with strong momentum (4 wins in last 5) but faces a rest disadvantage. Ilya Sorokin's 25-15-2 record is solid, but Jaro Reimer's presence in a back-to-back situation on home ice shouldn't be underestimated. WP Hockey Predictor's pick: Ottawa Senators (52.7%) over New York Islanders (47.3%).

Canadiens vs Red Wings

Montreal travels to Detroit in a near pick-'em matchup with both teams hovering around 50% in multiple metrics. The Canadiens hold advantages in Corsi (50.12%) and expected goals (50.32%), while Detroit's 51.91% xGF% shows they generate quality chances despite inferior possession numbers. Montreal has posted three wins in their last five outings.

Jake Dobes (22-7-4) has been exceptional between the pipes for Montreal, and his elite performance gives the visitors a slight edge despite Detroit's two-day rest advantage. WP Hockey Predictor's pick: Montreal Canadiens (50.7%) over Detroit Red Wings (49.3%).

Rangers vs Blue Jackets

New York faces a brutal scenario: playing Columbus on the second night of a back-to-back with a depleted roster. The Rangers' 46.54% Corsi and 45.14% expected goals percentage reveal their possession struggles, and fatigue will only compound that issue. Columbus, meanwhile, boasts impressive underlying numbers with 49.62% Corsi and 51.05% xGF%, having won three of their last five contests.

The goaltending disparity is stark. Jonathan Quick's 5-16-2 record reflects his struggles, while Joosten Greaves carries a respectable 22-12-8 mark. Columbus's rest advantage and superior analytics make this an attractive NHL pick. WP Hockey Predictor's pick: Columbus Blue Jackets (54.7%) over New York Rangers (45.3%).

Blackhawks vs Wild

Minnesota dominates the analytics in this matchup, posting a 52.5% Corsi and 54.91% expected goals mark against Chicago's 44.81% Corsi and 41.38% xGF%. The Wild have generated superior chances and possession consistently, and their 25-11-6 record from goalie Fedor Gustavsson speaks to team quality. Chicago's struggles (3-4-3) continue despite two wins in their last five games.

Chicago's goaltending situation with Soren Knight (17-19-9) doesn't provide confidence either. Minnesota's depth of analytics advantage makes this one of the more straightforward free NHL picks on the slate. WP Hockey Predictor's pick: Minnesota Wild (52.8%) over Chicago Blackhawks (47.2%).

Kraken vs Predators

Seattle and Nashville present a toss-up matchup with both clubs displaying similar underlying metrics. The Kraken edge Nashville in expected goals (47.47% vs 44.49%), while the Predators hold a slight Corsi advantage at 47.42%. Both teams have posted identical 2-win stretches in their last five games, indicating consistent baseline performance.

This matchup hinges on goaltender performance. Joey Daccord (19-16-5) has kept Seattle competitive despite roster limitations, while Juuse Saros (24-19-7) provides Nashville with stability. Seattle's superior xGF% gives them the edge in this coin-flip. WP Hockey Predictor's pick: Seattle Kraken (51.9%) over Nashville Predators (48.1%).

Panthers vs Oilers

Florida brings elite possession numbers (53.54% CF%) into Edmonton, showcasing impressive play-driving ability. However, the Oilers match their expected goals rate at 53.13% xGF% despite owning only 48.56% Corsi, indicating excellent efficiency in their scoring chances. Both teams have won three of their last five games, showing solid recent form.

This matchup features interesting goaltender dynamics. While Sergei Bobrovsky (24-20-1) carries a higher win total, Calvin Ingram (11-6-2) has been lights-out in limited action. Edmonton's superior goal-scoring efficiency gives them a slight advantage. WP Hockey Predictor's pick: Edmonton Oilers (51.4%) over Florida Panthers (48.6%).

Lightning vs Canucks

Tampa Bay arrives in Vancouver as a slight favorite despite being on the road, an unusual positioning that reflects the teams' underlying quality. The Lightning own a 51.07% Corsi advantage over Vancouver's 43.05%, and their 48.03% xGF% indicates solid offensive generation. Both teams have posted identical 2-win stretches in their last five.

Andrei Vasilevskiy's elite 31-12-3 record provides significant leverage for Tampa Bay, while Vancouver's Kaapo Lankinen (8-21-5) continues to struggle in goal. The goaltending gulf makes this an attractive pick for the visitors. WP Hockey Predictor's pick: Tampa Bay Lightning (51.0%) over Vancouver Canucks (49.0%).

Mammoth vs Golden Knights

Utah brings stronger underlying numbers to Vegas with 53.75% Corsi and 52.32% xGF%, showcasing dominant possession and efficiency. Vegas counters with impressive 52.88% Corsi but trails in expected goals at 52.18%. Both clubs have won multiple games recently, though Utah appears to be playing with superior consistency.

Vegas holds the marginal advantage here in a pick-'em scenario. Utah's recent struggles (only one win in their last five despite solid analytics) create doubt, while Vegas shows two recent wins and slightly superior goal-scoring rates. WP Hockey Predictor's pick: Vegas Golden Knights (50.3%) over Utah Mammoth (49.7%).

Sabres vs Sharks

Buffalo's 9-1-0 record commands respect, and the underlying analytics support their dominance. The Sabres own 51.64% Corsi and an exceptional 53.43% xGF%, demonstrating elite play-driving and efficiency. San Jose's 48.05% Corsi and 49.11% xGF% indicate respectable play, but Buffalo's margin of superiority is evident across the board.

Adrian Lyon (19-8-3) has been exceptional in net for Buffalo, while Alexander Nedeljkovic (13-10-3) provides San Jose with capable goaltending. Buffalo's four-win stretch in their last five combined with superior analytics creates a compelling case for the league's hottest team. WP Hockey Predictor's pick: Buffalo Sabres (54.6%) over San Jose Sharks (45.4%).

Flyers vs Kings

Philadelphia takes on Los Angeles in a matchup where rest becomes a critical factor. The Flyers are playing their second consecutive night, dealing with fatigue after posting three wins in their last five games. Los Angeles enjoyed two days of rest and brings superior analytics with 50.28% Corsi and 55.32% expected goals—a particularly strong xGF% mark indicating elite chance generation.

The Kings' advantage extends to goaltending, where Darcy Kuemper (17-13-10) faces Philadelphia's Samuel Ersson (10-10-5) in a matchup clearly favoring Los Angeles. The combination of rest advantage and underlying metrics creates a strong case for the home team. WP Hockey Predictor's pick: Los Angeles Kings (50.7%) over Philadelphia Flyers (49.3%).

Today's NHL predictions today showcase compelling matchups from coast to coast. Whether you're analyzing back-to-back situations, goaltending matchups, or advanced metrics like Corsi and expected goals, Try WP Hockey Predictor for detailed probability breakdowns on every game.