NHL Predictions for March 22, 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 22 brings a packed nine-game slate with several compelling matchups and storylines. From the Buffalo Sabres' impressive run continuing in Anaheim to the blue-chip Colorado Avalanche battling a red-hot Washington team, there's plenty to unpack in today's NHL predictions. The most intriguing wrinkle? Multiple back-to-back situations that could significantly impact performance, particularly affecting Winnipeg, Nashville, Columbus, Vegas, and Tampa Bay. Let's break down each contest with our advanced analytics framework.

Winnipeg Jets vs New York Rangers

The Jets arrive in Manhattan on zero days rest, but don't let that fool you—Winnipeg has been one of the more dominant possession teams in the league with a 50.76 CF% and an impressive 53.67 xGF%. Eric Comrie has stabilized in net with an 11-9-1 record. The Rangers, meanwhile, are riding on the strength of Igor Shesterkin's elite goaltending (22-14-6), though their underlying metrics reveal some concerning trends at 45.44 CF% and 43.1 xGF%.

New York's two-day rest advantage would normally be decisive, but the analytics favor Winnipeg's stronger shot generation and conversion efficiency. Shesterkin is a world-class netminder who can steal games, but the Jets' depth and possession advantage should prevail in a tight contest.

WP Hockey Predictor Pick: Winnipeg Jets 51.6% | New York Rangers 48.4%

Colorado Avalanche vs Washington Capitals

This is one of the day's marquee matchups between two legitimate Stanley Cup contenders. Colorado enters with an exceptional 58.86 CF% and 58.25 xGF%, indicating dominant territorial control. Mikko Rantanen and company are in midseason form, while Mackenzie Blackwood (19-8-1) has been rock-solid in net. Washington counters with three wins in their last five games and Logan Thompson providing stability behind the blue line.

The Capitals' 46.46 CF% and 48.68 xGF% suggest they'll be chasing play for stretches, though their recent hot streak indicates they're peaking at the right time. Blackwood's advantage in underlying numbers should be enough to push the Avalanche past Thompson despite Washington's momentum.

WP Hockey Predictor Pick: Colorado Avalanche 52.9% | Washington Capitals 47.1%

Carolina Hurricanes vs Pittsburgh Penguins

Carolina rolls into Pittsburgh with superior metrics across the board: a 61.14 CF% and 60.55 xGF% that rank among the league's elite. Freddy Andersen has been dependable (12-11-5) for a Hurricanes team that's won three of their last five. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, is playing back-to-back hockey with zero days rest, a massive disadvantage against one of the league's best possession teams.

Tristan Jarry has held down the fort admirably with a 20-13-9 record, but expect the Penguins to be fatigued in the second and third periods. Carolina's depth, led by their elite offensive generation metrics, should overcome any rust or travel effects from their own back-to-back situation.

WP Hockey Predictor Pick: Carolina Hurricanes 53.1% | Pittsburgh Penguins 46.9%

Nashville Predators vs Chicago Blackhawks

Nashville heads to Chicago on back-to-back nights, which is a critical disadvantage against a Blackhawks squad that's well-rested. The Predators' underlying numbers are modest at best—46.89 CF% and 45.93 xGF%—suggesting they rely heavily on goaltending. Chicago's metrics aren't particularly inspiring either (44.54 CF%, 41.08 xGF%), making this a low-event affair where depth and execution matter.

The Blackhawks' rest advantage proves decisive here. Despite Murray potentially getting the nod for Nashville, the fatigue factor looms large. Chicago's Semen Knight may not possess elite analytics, but the home team's energy advantage in a tight matchup gives them the edge.

WP Hockey Predictor Pick: Nashville Predators 49.4% | Chicago Blackhawks 50.6%

Columbus Blue Jackets vs New York Islanders

Columbus enters as one of the season's surprise stories at 7-0-3, and they've done it with solid analytics (51.35 CF%, 54.11 xGF%) and exceptional goaltending from Joonas Greaves (23-12-8). The fact that they're winning while playing back-to-back hockey speaks volumes about their resilience. The Islanders (5-5-0) are also fatigued on zero days rest, creating a situation where neither team has an edge in the rest department.

Where this game tilts decisively toward Columbus is goaltending. Greaves has been one of the league's pleasant surprises with a .925 save percentage, while Daniil Rittich (14-9-3) operates from a smaller sample. Columbus's uptempo style and shot-generation advantage should provide enough opportunities to exploit the Islander netminder.

WP Hockey Predictor Pick: Columbus Blue Jackets 57.7% | New York Islanders 42.3%

Vegas Golden Knights vs Dallas Stars

Two teams playing back-to-back hockey face off in Dallas, and this contest is remarkably tight in our free NHL picks analysis. Vegas sits at 3-7-0, struggling despite possessing a respectable 54.84 CF% and 52.84 xGF%—suggesting they're competing but getting unlucky. Dallas, conversely, is dominating both in wins (7-1-2) and underlying metrics (52.22 CF%, 56.58 xGF%), with Casey DeSmith providing excellent goaltending support (14-5-5).

The Stars' offensive prowess and slightly superior analytics edge them out despite both teams being road-weary. DeSmith's consistency combined with Dallas's balanced scoring gives them a marginal advantage in a coin-flip scenario.

WP Hockey Predictor Pick: Vegas Golden Knights 49.0% | Dallas Stars 51.0%

Tampa Bay Lightning vs Calgary Flames

Tampa arrives on back-to-back nights, but the Lightning's recent form (four wins in five) suggests they're playing inspired hockey. Their 51.59 CF% and 49.67 xGF% indicate solid possession and shot quality, while Johansson (10-9-1) has stabilized the crease. Calgary, meanwhile, is well-rested and entering a desperate stretch at 4-6-0.

Despite Calgary's rest advantage, Tampa's momentum and superior underlying metrics should prevail. The Flames' save percentage issues—represented by Dustin Wolf's 20-25-3 record—suggest they'll struggle to match the Lightning's puck pressure and offensive volume.

WP Hockey Predictor Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning 52.9% | Calgary Flames 47.1%

Buffalo Sabres vs Anaheim Ducks

Buffalo's 9-1-0 record is the real story of the season, and they're backing it up with excellent metrics: 51.89 CF% and 53.54 xGF%. Even playing back-to-back hockey, the Sabres' depth and balanced attack remain formidable. Adam Lyon (20-8-3) has been exceptional, and his .929 save percentage suggests he's earned that strong record.

Anaheim counters with a respectable 50.12 CF% but trails significantly in xGF% (47.56), indicating Buffalo controls the quality of scoring chances. Lukas Dostal (28-15-3) has carried a heavier workload for the Ducks, and against Buffalo's relentless possession game, he'll face an onslaught of dangerous looks.

WP Hockey Predictor Pick: Buffalo Sabres 56.5% | Anaheim Ducks 43.5%

Los Angeles Kings vs Utah Mammoth

Los Angeles makes the trip to Utah on back-to-back nights after a 4-4-2 start, while the Mammoth enjoy standard rest. The Kings' underlying metrics are intriguing—51.41 CF% and an impressive 55.39 xGF%—suggesting they generate excellent scoring chances despite modest win totals. Darcy Kuemper (17-13-11) has seen heavy use and sports a .915 save percentage.

Utah's 52.57 CF% and 49.84 xGF% indicate solid two-way play, while Vitek Vanecek's record (5-10-3) suggests inconsistency. The Mammoth's rest advantage combined with Los Angeles's back-to-back fatigue should push Utah to victory, despite the Kings' superior shot quality.

WP Hockey Predictor Pick: Los Angeles Kings 47.1% | Utah Mammoth 52.9%

Today's slate offers numerous angles for advanced analysis. Whether you're evaluating back-to-back impact, goaltending advantages, or shot quality differences, the data paints a clear picture of each matchup. To dive deeper into every game with predictive models incorporating Corsi, expected goals, high-danger chances, and goalie GSAA, try WP Hockey Predictor for customized win probability calculations and detailed matchup analysis.