Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. Our featured game of this edition is the Edmonton Oilers taking on the San Jose Sharks. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions
Edmonton Oilers vs San Jose Sharks
Head-to-Head: Oilers 1-0 Sharks
How to Watch: US TV: NBC Sports California; ESPN+. Canada TV: Sportsnet.
Time: 4 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
We open up NHL predictions with a Pacific Division matchup between the Edmonton Oilers and the San Jose Sharks. Tristan Jarry is the expected starter for the Oilers but always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Edmonton is 4-6 in its last 10 games but it’s coming off an 8-1 demolition of the Los Angeles Kings in the previous game. Connor McDavid has already hit the 100-point mark before the end of March.
Yaroslav Askarov is the probable starter for the Sharks, who are 3-6-1 in their previous 10 games. This includes five consecutive defeats entering this matchup. San Jose has also dropped its last seven games against Edmonton prior to this afternoon affair. Olympian Macklin Celebrini leads the team in goals (28), assists (53), and points (81).
Both teams are in need of victories to keep pace in the division. However, the Oilers will continue their recent mastery of the Sharks.
Prediction: Oilers win 4-2.
Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:’El-EBaTTTqBGxylrUQDkEg’,sig:’wFKVAA1hgWHeWhyJLz5ntSLegZIt-56OAnx6qUub9j4=’,w:’594px’,h:’396px’,items:’2256230012′,caption: true ,tld:’com’,is360: false })});
Washington Capitals vs Montreal Canadiens
Head-to-Head: Capitals 2-0 Canadiens
How to Watch: US TV: Monumental Sports Network; ESPN+. Canada TV: SN East; City TV; TVA Sports.
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our second game of NHL predictions has the Washington Capitals seeking the season sweep over the Montreal Canadiens. Charlie Lindgren will likely get the start after Logan Thompson got the start against the Vegas Golen Knights. The Capitals are 7-2-1 in their previous 10 games, including wins in six of the last seven games. Tom Wilson is first on the team in goals (23) and points (49) so far this campaign.
Jakub Dobes is the projected starter for the Canadiens, who are 6-2-2 in their last 10 games. However, the Habs have dropped two of their last three games entering this Saturday night contest. Olympic snub Cole Caufield leads the team in goals so far with 33.
Montreal is looking to prevent the season sweep. The Habs should be able to take advantage of the Capitals having to play the night before.
Prediction: Canadiens win 4-3.
Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:’bUZqKseuSt56FyRIk-AycA’,sig:’N-baeY5f9NrZxzOjCyJ1-LDf2VWxF1KtdyWUa4m7Ef8=’,w:’594px’,h:’396px’,items:’2256677372′,caption: true ,tld:’com’,is360: false })});
Detroit Red Wings vs Carolina Hurricanes
Head-to-Head: Red Wings 1-1 Hurricanes
How to Watch: US TV: Fan Duel Sports Detroit; Fan Duel Sports South; ESPN+.
Time: 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Our final game of NHL predictions is the rubber match between the Detroit Red Wings and the Carolina Hurricanes. Detroit is slated to give John Gibson the start in goal. The Red Wings are 5-3-2 in their previous 10 games but did get a victory in their last outing. Lucas Raymond leads the team in assists (43) and points (62).
Newly-extended goalie Brandon Bussi is the projected starter for Carolina, which is 8-0-2 in its last 10 games. This includes four victories in the team’s last four games. The Hurricanes are 22-8-2 in games play at the Lenovo Center so far this season. Sebastian Aho is tops in assists (37) and points (58) so far this campaign.
This should be a good one between two teams that in Stanley Cup Playoff contention. However, Carolina should get the victory.
Prediction: Hurricanes win 3-2.
Best Bets
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let’s go back to our featured game for our favourite props. The over/under for the Oilers versus the Sharks is 6.5, and we like the under in this game.
As for individual props, take Leon Draisaitl to score a power-play goal for Edmonton. On the San Jose side of things, take Will Smith to get an anytime goal.
Main photo by: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions; some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER