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 28, 2026 - Free Picks & Best Bets
March 28 brings a full 15-game slate with some intriguing matchups that could shape the stretch run. Whether you're looking for free NHL picks or want to understand the data behind each prediction, today's schedule delivers compelling narratives across the league.
Senators vs Lightning
The Senators have won four of their last five games and look like one of the league's hottest teams heading down the stretch. Linus Ullmark has been reliable in net with a 23-10-8 record.
WP Hockey Predictor's free NHL picks favor the Senators at —essentially a coin flip that reflects the competitive nature of this matchup.
Panthers vs Islanders
New York's home crowd and strong record (6-4-0) provide a foundation against a struggling Florida team that sits at 5-5-0. Ilya Sorokin has been confirmed in net and carries a 27-18-2 record with solid underlying support.
The analytics favor the home team here. New York Islanders at represents our NHL predictions for this Atlantic Division contest, suggesting the Islanders should be favored in what appears to be a mismatch in puck possession quality.
Ducks vs Oilers
The Ducks are riding confidence, but the analytics suggest they're playing somewhat above their sustainability level. Linus Dostal has been excellent with a 29-15-3 record.
Connor Ingram steps in with a more modest 12-8-2 record in limited action. WP Hockey Predictor projects Edmonton at , a marginal home-ice edge that reflects Edmonton's quality scoring chances despite possession struggles.
Wild vs Bruins
The Wild have won three of five and Filip Gustavsson (26-12-6) provides a reliable net.
This represents a clear analytical edge for Minnesota despite Boston's reputation. Our NHL predictions today strongly favor the visitors: Minnesota Wild at .
Stars vs Penguins
The Stars have struggled with just one win in their last five, raising sustainability questions despite their record.
Both teams are generating below-average chances, making this a low-event affair where goaltending will be paramount. Dallas Stars at catches the slight edge, likely driven by Oettinger's superior track record and the away team's superior recent results despite limited sample size.
Devils vs Hurricanes
Jarcrom Markstrom (22-16-1) provides solid goaltending support for the visitors.
Carolina's three days' rest adds another layer. However, New Jersey's superior recent form slightly edges out the Hurricanes. New Jersey Devils at reflects an extremely close matchup between two of the league's best teams, with the slight edge to the Devils' momentum.
Sharks vs Blue Jackets
Alexander Nedeljkovic (13-13-4) faces another test against a superior opponent.
Joonas Korpisalo (24-14-8) returns to face a Sharks team that simply cannot generate offensive chances. Columbus Blue Jackets at 56.2% reflects one of today's clearer analytical advantages, with the home team's superior metrics and recent form providing confidence.
Kraken vs Sabres
The Kraken have just one win in five games. John Daccord (19-18-6) faces an uphill battle.
Ukko Luukkonen (17-8-3) has been excellent despite the fatigue factor. Buffalo Sabres at suggests the home team's underlying superiority overwhelms the rest disadvantage—a bold analytical statement that rewards quality chance generation.
Maple Leafs vs Blues
Even with two days' rest, the Maple Leafs (4-4-2) aren't generating the volume needed to consistently win. Joseph Woll (15-13-6) faces an unfavorable matchup.
The Blues are one of the league's hottest teams, and Jordan Hofer (19-11-5) will face a Toronto team that simply cannot generate consistent offense. St. Louis Blues at 54.9% reflects a clear analytical advantage for the home team, with Toronto's possession metrics among the league's worst.
Canadiens vs Predators
Jakob Dobes (24-8-4) provides excellent goaltending. The Canadiens represent a team hitting their stride at the right time.
Juuse Saros (26-19-7) remains a quality starter. Montreal Canadiens at reflects a nearly even matchup where Montreal's superior chance generation provides the slightest of edges in what shapes up as a competitive battle.
Jets vs Avalanche
Connor Hellebuyck (18-20-11) carries a concerning record that reflects team performance issues beyond his control.
Four wins in five games paired with Scott Wedgewood's excellent 26-5-6 record create a lopsided matchup. Colorado Avalanche at 60.8% is one of our most confident free NHL picks today, reflecting significant analytical advantages in both possession and chance generation.
Flyers vs Red Wings
Danny Vladar (23-12-7) provides reliable goaltending for the visitors.
Detroit faces a back-to-back situation after yesterday's game, which compounds their challenges. Calvin Talbot (12-8-5) gets the nod. Philadelphia's superior recent form and possession quality edge the Flyers. Philadelphia Flyers at reflects the visitors' advantage despite Detroit's home-ice, with Philadelphia's metrics and Detroit's back-to-back fatigue favoring the road team.
Utah vs Kings
Two wins in five games add concern. Karel Vejmelka (32-19-3) carries an impressive record.
Darcy Kuemper (18-13-13) has been middling. Los Angeles Kings at reflects the home team