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.
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.
Winnipeg Jets vs New York Rangers
Eric Comrie has stabilized in net with an 11-9-1 record.
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 | New York Rangers
Colorado Avalanche vs Washington Capitals
This is one of the day's marquee matchups between two legitimate Stanley Cup contenders. 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.
WP Hockey Predictor Pick: Colorado Avalanche | Washington Capitals
Carolina Hurricanes vs Pittsburgh Penguins
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 | Pittsburgh Penguins
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 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 | Chicago Blackhawks
Columbus Blue Jackets vs New York Islanders
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 | New York Islanders
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.
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 | Dallas Stars
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. Calgary, meanwhile, is well-rested and entering a desperate stretch at 4-6-0.
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 | Calgary Flames
Buffalo Sabres vs Anaheim Ducks
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.
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 | Anaheim Ducks
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. Darcy Kuemper (17-13-11) has seen heavy use and sports a .915 save percentage.
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 | Utah Mammoth
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.
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.