Carolina Hurricanes vs Pittsburgh Penguins Picks and Predictions for Sunday March 22 2026
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The Carolina Hurricanes head on the road to take on the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Puck drop is scheduled for 3:00 PM and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+. Carolina enters this matchup as a -148 favorite on the moneyline, while Pittsburgh sits at +124. The total is set at 6.5 goals, with the Hurricanes listed at -1.5 (+170) on the puck line and the Penguins at +1.5 (-205). This matchup features two strong Eastern Conference teams with offensive firepower, making this one of the more intriguing games on the slate. Be sure to also check out our free NHL picks for more daily expert selections.
Hurricanes Bringing Pressure on the Road
The Carolina Hurricanes come into this game with an impressive 44-19-6 record, including a solid 19-10-4 record on the road. In their last five games, Carolina has recently won over Toronto 4-3 in overtime, recently won over Pittsburgh 6-5 in overtime, recently lost to Columbus 5-1, recently won over Tampa Bay 4-2, and recently lost to St. Louis 3-1. That recent win over Pittsburgh shows they can handle this matchup, but the overtime nature of that game also highlights how close these teams are.
Carolina has been one of the most consistent offensive teams in the league, averaging 3.48 goals per game while allowing 2.93 goals against per game. They generate an impressive 32.4 shots per game while allowing just 24.3 shots against, which shows their ability to control possession and dictate tempo. Their power play has also been effective, converting at 22.1% with 46 goals, while their penalty kill sits at 79.6%.
What stands out most about Carolina is their shot differential and ability to sustain offensive zone pressure. They limit opponents’ opportunities while consistently creating their own, which is a major reason for their strong record. Additionally, their eight short-handed goals demonstrate their ability to create scoring chances even when down a man, making them dangerous in all situations.
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Penguins Defending Home Ice
The Pittsburgh Penguins enter this matchup with a 34-18-16 record and have been strong at home with a 16-9-8 record. Over their last five games, the Penguins have recently lost to Carolina 6-5 in overtime, recently won over Colorado 7-2, recently won over Utah 4-3, recently lost to Vegas 6-2, and recently lost to Carolina 5-4 in a shootout. Clearly, they’ve been competitive in recent games against Carolina but have come up just short.
Offensively, Pittsburgh is averaging 3.44 goals per game while allowing 2.94 goals against per game. They generate 29.1 shots per game and allow 27.4 shots against, showing a fairly balanced approach. Their special teams have been a major strength, with a 25.1% power play that has produced 49 goals, and an excellent 84.2% penalty kill.
The Penguins’ biggest advantage lies in their special teams and ability to capitalize on scoring chances. Even in games they’ve lost, they’ve consistently produced offense and kept pressure on opponents. Their disciplined defensive play, particularly on the penalty kill, gives them a strong foundation, especially at home where they’ve been reliable.
Hurricanes vs Penguins Pick
Carolina Hurricanes vs Pittsburgh Penguins Pick
- Carolina Hurricanes -148
Carolina is the play in this matchup. While Pittsburgh has been competitive and strong at home, the Hurricanes have shown they can control this matchup, winning both recent meetings. Their superior shot differential and ability to control possession give them a clear edge. Even though the Penguins have strong special teams, Carolina’s overall consistency and depth make them the more trustworthy side, especially with their success on the road.
Carolina Hurricanes vs Pittsburgh Penguins Total Pick
- Over 6.5
I’m taking the over here because these teams have consistently played high-scoring games against each other. Their recent matchups have featured 9 and 10 total goals, and both offenses are capable of putting up big numbers. With two teams that generate a high volume of shots and have effective power plays, this game sets up perfectly for another offensive showcase that pushes the total over.
Final Score Prediction: Carolina Hurricanes 5, Pittsburgh Penguins 4
This prediction was written before the completion of game play on Saturday.
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