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.
NHL Predictions for March 26, 2026 - Free Picks & Best Bets
March 26 brings a packed 13-game slate with several compelling matchups that could shift playoff positioning in the final stretch of the regular season. From Ottawa's dominant Senators hosting a struggling Pittsburgh squad to an intriguing Devils-Predators battle where analytics clash with home-ice momentum, today's NHL predictions offer plenty of angles for sharp bettors.
Blue Jackets vs Canadiens
The goaltending edge belongs to Columbus, where John Greaves (24-13-8) has been more reliable than Montreal's Jayson Dobes (23-8-4). While Dobes has a higher win percentage, Greaves' record suggests steadier performance over a larger sample. Our NHL predictions favor the visiting Blue Jackets to capitalize on their possession advantage and superior recent momentum.
WP Hockey Predictor Pick: Columbus Blue Jackets over Montreal Canadiens
Penguins vs Senators
Ottawa has established itself as one of the league's elite teams this season, and today's matchup with Pittsburgh highlights why. The gap in shot quality and volume is significant.
Pittsburgh needs to overcome substantial disadvantages in both volume and quality of chances.
WP Hockey Predictor Pick: Ottawa Senators over Pittsburgh Penguins
Kraken vs Lightning
Seattle continues to struggle as one of the league's worst teams, and a road trip to Tampa Bay represents another tough test.
Andrei Vasilevskiy (34-12-3) has been exceptional for Tampa Bay, commanding one of the league's best goalie records. Seattle's John Daccord (19-18-6) faces a significant workload against a team that generates consistent scoring chances. Today's free NHL picks heavily favor Tampa Bay to extend their hot streak against a struggling opponent.
WP Hockey Predictor Pick: Tampa Bay Lightning over Seattle Kraken
Wild vs Panthers
The Wild have captured two wins in their last five, matching Florida's output, setting up a fairly balanced contest on paper. Both goaltenders have experienced seasons: Filip Gustavsson (26-12-6) for Minnesota and Sergei Bobrovsky (26-20-1) for the Panthers, though Gustavsson's record suggests superior recent performance.
Despite Florida holding home-ice advantage, the visitor's analytics give them the slight upper hand in today's NHL predictions.
WP Hockey Predictor Pick: Minnesota Wild over Florida Panthers
Stars vs Islanders
This one figures to be tightly contested, and our analytics reflect that razor-thin margin. Both teams have captured two wins in their last five, indicating similar recent form.
Jacob Oettinger (29-10-6) brings an elite record for Dallas against Ilya Sorokin (26-18-2), giving the Stars a minor goaltending edge despite being on the road. Today's NHL picks on this matchup are remarkably close to even odds, with the Islanders catching a slight nod due to home ice.
WP Hockey Predictor Pick: New York Islanders over Dallas Stars
Blackhawks vs Flyers
Philadelphia has won three of their last five, compared to Chicago's two wins in the same span.
Darcy Vladar (23-12-7) provides the Flyers with a reliable goaltending option against Arvid Nell Knight (18-19-10), adding another layer of advantage.
WP Hockey Predictor Pick: Philadelphia Flyers over Chicago Blackhawks
Sharks vs Blues
This is a matchup where momentum heavily favors the home team.
Jordan Hofer (18-11-5) for St. Louis provides a cleaner record than San Jose's Alexander Nedeljkovic (13-13-3), reinforcing the Blues' advantage. The Sharks' extended slump makes them vulnerable against a team playing steady hockey at home.
WP Hockey Predictor Pick: St. Louis Blues over San Jose Sharks
Devils vs Predators
Yet Nashville has won five straight games, while New Jersey has captured four of their last five—home-ice momentum cannot be discounted in the playoffs' approach.
Juuse Saros (26-19-7) has posted strong numbers for Nashville, competing with New Jersey's Johan Markstrom (21-16-1).
WP Hockey Predictor Pick: Nashville Predators over New Jersey Devils
Avalanche vs Jets
Colorado has won three of their last five, while Winnipeg has captured just two—another advantage for the visiting Avalanche.
Semyon Varlamov (26-5-6) provides Colorado with one of the league's elite goaltending records, while Connor Hellebuyck (18-19-11) has struggled more extensively for Winnipeg. Today's NHL predictions clearly favor the Avalanche to extend their recent form against a team that struggles with possession metrics.
WP Hockey Predictor Pick: Colorado Avalanche over Winnipeg Jets
Capitals vs Utah Mammoth
Both teams sit at identical 4-4-2 records with two wins in their last five games, making this a fairly even matchup. Kailer Yamamoto (32-19-3) represents one of the league's best goaltending records, providing Utah with a significant advantage over Logan Thompson (24-20-6).
WP Hockey Predictor Pick: Utah Mammoth over Washington Capitals
Ducks vs Flames
Anaheim and Calgary present an interesting battle of similar records and momentum. Lukas Dostal (29-15-3) has accumulated impressive wins for Anaheim against Calgary's Dan Cooley (9-9-4), giving the Ducks a meaningful goaltending advantage despite playing on the road.
WP Hockey Predictor Pick: Anaheim Ducks over Calgary Flames
Oilers vs Golden Knights
Edmonton has won three of their last five, suggesting they're playing better hockey than their possession numbers indicate.
WP Hockey Predictor Pick: Vegas Golden Knights over Edmonton Oilers