NHL Best Bets Today, 3/22: Picks, Predictions & Player Props - Saturday
Welcome to our expert NHL Best Bets today!
While March Madness continues in the hoops world, we have a massive 14-game NHL slate, so let's jump into today's NHL predictions!
- Regular Season Record: 172-132-1
- Bankroll: +26.7 Units
NHL Picks, Predictions & Best Bets Today, 3/22
I'll continue to focus my NHL best bets today on teams that are in the playoff hunt and searching for every point they can get since that should give us the highest level of consistency.
Kraken vs. Oilers Prediction: Saturday, March 22nd
The Oilers have not played some of their best hockey lately but luckily they have a date with the Seattle Kraken tonight on home ice! The Kraken are 14-20 straight up on the road this season and have posted just 2.94 goals per game, you'll need more scoring than that to take down Edmonton even without Leon Draitsaitl and Connor McDavid.
Their absence gives good value to Edmonton as well with the odds sitting around even money for a 60-minute Money Line. They've won 3 of their last 4 and played a great game in a loss to Winnipeg so I am not too concerned for one night putting my money on this team playing more collectively together and getting the win.
- Oilers 60-Minute Money Line (+105 on DraftKings)
Best NHL Prop Bets & Other Picks Today, 3/22
- Maple Leafs & Predators Over 5.5 Goals (-110 on DraftKings)
- Senators & Devils Under 5.5 Goals (-120 on DraftKings)
- Jack Eichel (VGK) Over 2.5 Shots on Goal (-140 on DraftKings)
Player News
Dolphins signed No. 13 overall pick DT Kenneth Grant to a four-year contract.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that Grant will sign his contract today. The former Michigan defensive tackle is expected to fill a major void left by Christian Wilkins, who left for the Raiders in the 2024 offseason. Grant totaled 32 tackles, three sacks, and seven TFLs in his final season at Michigan and excelled at stopping the run while also generating 27 pressures in his final season, per PFF.
Daulton Varsho picked up three hits, three RBI and a homer in a win over the Angels on Thursday.
Varsho has only played in seven games this year, but they’ve been seven good ones. He’s homered three times already, and his slugging percentage is a remarkable — and entirely unsustainable — .727 over 22 at-bats. Varsho has been a mediocre offensive player in his two seasons with the Blue Jays, but it’s possible at the age of 28 he’s having a breakout campaign. Far from a guarantee, but possible.
Taylor Ward hit a two-run homer in a loss to the Blue Jays on Thursday.
Ward, 31, gave the Angels a 2-0 lead with a two-run homer off Chris Bassitt in the first inning. He’s now gone deep in two of his last three games, and it ‘improves’ his slash to .181/.224/.391. Ward has been one of the most hot/cold players players in the sport over the last few years, so fantasy managers who can afford to make some roster moves may want to look at Ward while the going is good.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. picked up three hits and scored twice in an 8-5 win over the Angels on Thursday.
Guerrero also drew a walk. It gives the first baseman multiple hits in back-to-back games, and it’s the third time in May that he’s reached that mark. That’s helped raise his average from .268 to .295, and the only thing fantasy managers can be disappointed with is his .432 slugging percentage. That number should continue to climb as the season unfolds, but Vladdy Jr. has had some inconsistent seasons when it comes to power production.
Chad Green picked up his first save of 2025 with a scoreless ninth against the Angels on Thursday.
Green got the save after Jeff Hoffman worked in back-to-back games — and struggled — in the first two contests against the Angels. He struck out two and looked the part while needing just nine pitches to get through the inning. Hoffman should remain the closer, but Green is on his tail if the struggles were to continue.
Chris Bassitt allowed five runs — four earned — while working six-plus innings against the Angels on Thursday while picking up a win.
Bassitt allowed three runs over the first two innings on a pair of homers, but settled down over his next four frames. He came out to work the seventh, but ended up being charged for two more runs after leaving the contest. The 36-year-old veteran has forged a 3.35 ERA and outstanding 49/8 K/BB ratio over the first quarter of the season, but this wasn’t him at his best. He’ll get the Rays next week if the rotation order stays the same for Toronto.