Pittsburgh vs Carolina Prediction 22 March 2026
🔊 It's the second showdown in four days between Pittsburgh and Carolina, this time on the Penguins' home ice. Their previous encounter was a high-scoring affair. But what should we expect from the upcoming game? Let's break down the statistical trends ahead of this NHL regular season clash and offer our editorial prediction.
Head-to-Head
📊 Over the past three seasons, Carolina and Pittsburgh have faced off ten times: the Hurricanes have come out on top in seven games, while the Penguins have won three. On their home ice, the Penguins have only been defeated in regulation once in their last seven games against this opponent.
Head-to-head statistics Pittsburgh - Carolina

Pittsburgh Penguins Team Overview
Pittsburgh have been on a scoring streak in their last four games, securing victories against the Utah Grizzlies (4-3), Colorado Avalanche (7-2), and the Winnipeg Jets (5-4 SO), while falling to Carolina in overtime (6-5 OT). This consistent point collection has lifted Dan Muse's team to fifth place in the Eastern Conference. However, they're only two points ahead of five other clubs, ranging from fourth to eighth place.
At home, the Penguins have not lost two consecutive games in regulation this season. While they have experienced losing streaks, those have always extended beyond the regular 60 minutes. Pittsburgh's offensive prowess at PPG Paints Arena is impressive, averaging 3.53 goals scored and 3.18 goals conceded per game.
Match Results: Pittsburgh Penguins

Carolina Hurricanes Team Overview
In March, Rod Brind'Amour's team has struggled to maintain consistent point production, alternating between wins and losses. The Canes have won their last two games, but both victories came beyond regulation time-against Pittsburgh and the Toronto Maple Leafs (4-3 OT). Carolina still leads the Eastern Conference standings, with an edge over the Buffalo Sabres based solely on points percentage (68.1%).
On the road, the Hurricanes have not been very convincing. The last time they managed at least a three-game winning streak was back in mid-December. In several key home game metrics, the Canes rank highly: seventh in points percentage (63.6%), 13th in average scoring (3.09 goals per game), and seventh in defense (2.76 goals against).
Match Results: Carolina Hurricanes
⚡️ Leaders
Following an assist against Winnipeg, Sidney Crosby has solidified his position at the top of the Penguins' scoring chart with 62 points (28 goals, 34 assists). The team's leading playmaker, Erik Karlsson, continues to rack up points, contributing in 10 of the last 12 games. Even more impressive is Bryan Rust's performance, with points in 11 of his last 12 games, and Rickard Rakell, who is on an eight-game point streak.
Surprisingly, the Eastern Conference leader doesn't have a single player in the top 20 for any key scoring metrics. Sebastian Aho holds the title of Carolina's top scorer with 71 points (24 goals, 47 assists), while Seth Jarvis leads in goals with 28.
🥅 Goaltenders
The home team's goalies are sharing the ice time equally. Stuart Skinner has managed an 88.8% save rate across five March games, with a goals-against average (GAA) of 3.48. Latvian goalie Arturs Silovs has slightly lower stats with an 86.7% save percentage (GAA 3.22), but he does have one shutout.
For the Canes, Frederik Andersen and Brandon Bussi are splitting time in the net. The Dane has posted an 85.8% save rate in five March appearances, with a GAA of 3.14. Meanwhile, the American's numbers are significantly worse, saving just 84.0% of shots this spring (GAA 3.84).
Editor's Prediction
Carolina's goaltending has been shaky in recent games: Andersen's goals-against average since the season resumed is at 2.95, while Bassi's is at a concerning 3.87. Additionally, the Hurricanes have conceded at least three goals in eight of their last nine matchups. Meanwhile, the Penguins have scored three or more goals in seven of their last eight games. Our pick for the upcoming match is Pittsburgh Penguins' team total over 2.5 goals.