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 24 brings a packed 15-game slate with several compelling matchups that could shift playoff positioning. The Hurricanes visit Montreal in a Northeast showdown, the streaking Senators head to Detroit on zero rest, and a battle of elite goalies features Swayman (Boston) against Woll (Toronto) in a critical Atlantic clash.
Bruins vs Maple Leafs
Boston enters this matchup as a clear favorite despite Toronto's recent struggles. Toronto has won only one of their last five games, showing little consistency offensively.
Goaltending could be the deciding factor here. Jeremy Swayman (28-14-4) has been outstanding for Boston, while Joseph Woll (14-13-6) carries a losing record into this contest. With the Bruins winning three of their last five, they're trending in the right direction heading into this matchup.
WP Hockey Predictor's pick: Boston Bruins over Toronto Maple Leafs
Hurricanes vs Canadiens
The Hurricanes have won four of their last five, establishing themselves as one of the league's hottest teams. Despite playing on just one day of rest—normal schedule—they maintain superior puck control across the board.
Goalie Brayden Bussi (26-6-1) anchors the Hurricanes' advantage and should continue the team's winning ways against a Habs squad managing two wins in their last five games.
WP Hockey Predictor's pick: Carolina Hurricanes over Montreal Canadiens
Senators vs Red Wings
Ottawa faces a significant disadvantage heading into Detroit: they're playing on zero days rest after back-to-back games.
Detroit's John Gibson (26-16-3) has been dependable, but he'll face a relentless offensive attack from Linus Ullmark and the Senators' elite control-the-puck system. Ottawa's talent should overcome the fatigue factor in this matchup.
WP Hockey Predictor's pick: Ottawa Senators over Detroit Red Wings
Kraken vs Panthers
This West Coast matchup features two struggling teams, but Florida holds a slight edge. The Kraken enter with a -2 goal differential in those contests, indicating offensive inefficiency.
With Jonathan Daccord (19-18-5) between the pipes for Seattle, this remains a competitive affair—but just barely favors the home team.
WP Hockey Predictor's pick: Seattle Kraken over Florida Panthers
Islanders vs Blackhawks
The Islanders have captured three of their last five decisions, gaining momentum as March progresses.
Despite both teams operating on minimal rest (one day), the Islanders' structural advantages make them slight favorites in this Atlantic Division showdown.
WP Hockey Predictor's pick: New York Islanders over Chicago Blackhawks
Blue Jackets vs Flyers
Columbus arrives as a mild underdog despite boasting superior possession and shot metrics. Joonas Korpisalo (23-13-8) has been a reliable presence in net.
Philadelphia counters with strong recent form (four wins in five games) and Darcy Kuemper's elite performance (23-11-7).
WP Hockey Predictor's pick: Columbus Blue Jackets over Philadelphia Flyers
Avalanche vs Penguins
Colorado's elite forward group meets Pittsburgh in a battle of possession dominance. Despite winning just two of their last five, Colorado's talent advantage remains evident.
WP Hockey Predictor's pick: Colorado Avalanche over Pittsburgh Penguins
Lightning vs Wild
This represents one of the day's closest competitions.
WP Hockey Predictor's pick: Tampa Bay Lightning over Minnesota Wild
Blues vs Capitals
St. Louis enters as a favorite with an impressive 7-1-2 record and strong recent form (three wins in five games). Jordan Hofer (17-11-5) has been serviceable between the pipes.
Logan Thompson's 24-19-6 record indicates reasonable competence, but the Capitals' possession disadvantage makes them slight underdogs despite competitive recent form.
WP Hockey Predictor's pick: St. Louis Blues over Washington Capitals
Predators vs Sharks
Nashville dominates this Western Conference matchup on both sides of the puck. More importantly, Nashville has won four of their last five while the Sharks manage just one victory in the same span.
Juuse Saros (25-19-7) provides goaltending stability for the Predators, while Vitek Vanecek (19-17-3) anchors a struggling San Jose squad. The combination of Nashville's hot streak, superior metrics, and one day of rest makes the Predators clear favorites at home.
WP Hockey Predictor's pick: Nashville Predators over San Jose Sharks
Devils vs Stars
New Jersey arrives in Dallas as a slight favorite despite lower seeding expectations. Jake Markstrom (21-16-1) remains a capable netminder backing this elite offense.
However, the Stars have won just two of their last five, suggesting inconsistency. New Jersey's superior analytics and rest advantage provide the edge in this matchup.
WP Hockey Predictor's pick: New Jersey Devils over Dallas Stars
Golden Knights vs Jets
Vegas presents an intriguing upset opportunity against Winnipeg. Adin Hill (9-8-3) has been inconsistent in limited action.
Winnipeg's Connor Hellebuyck (17-19-11) shows concerning underperformance relative to team strength, but the home team's marginal advantages push the needle toward Vegas in this possession battle. The Golden Knights' elite control metrics should eventually translate to victories.
WP Hockey Predictor's pick: Vegas Golden Knights over Winnipeg Jets
Kings vs Flames
Los Angeles brings superior analytics to Calgary