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NHL Predictions Today: Odds, Picks & Best Bets for Sunday, Oct. 18

Our NHL predictions for Sunday feature the Blue Jackets on the puck line, plus two more picks from today’s slate.

Matt MacKay

Last Updated: October 18, 2026 12:29 PM EDT • 3 minute read

Pictured: Calgary Flames forward Matt Coronato (27) watches the flying puck as we break down our NHL predictions today. Photo by Bob Frid / Imagn Images.

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Only two games are scheduled for today, meaning there are condensed betting markets for my NHL predictions. The Blue Jackets travel to face the Wild, then the Flames host the Hurricanes as a massive home underdog.

My best bet is on the Blue Jackets to cover the puck line in Minnesota. Columbus has covered +1.5 in two of its previous four contests, including three of its past five head-to-head matchups against the Wild. I also have a side to bet in the Hurricanes vs. Flames game.

NHL predictions today: Oct. 18

See all of our experts’ NHL picks based on the latest NHL odds.

Pick	Odds	Bet size
Blue Jackets +1.5 [Blue Jackets at Wild, 6 p.m. ET]	-155 odds via BetMGM	3.1 units to profit 2 units
Under 6.5 [Blue Jackets at Wild, 6 p.m. ET]	-120 odds via BetMGM	2.4 units to profit 2 units
Flames +1.5 [Hurricanes at Flames, 8 p.m. ET]	-135 odds via DraftKings	1.35 units to profit 1 unit

Total wagered: 6.85 units | Max profit: +5 units

NHL best bet today

Blue Jackets +1.5 (-155 via BetMGM)

The Blue Jackets hit the road to attempt to hand the Wild their first home loss of the season. Minnesota has 7 injuries in its lineup, compared to only 3 for Columbus.

However, the Blue Jackets have a rest disadvantage after a 1-0 overtime win over the Rangers on Saturday. The Wild haven't played in 3 days.

The Blue Jackets' puck line record is just 1-5 in 2026. However, they've been favored in several of those games, still managing to cover +1.5 in 2 of their last 4 outings.

Cam Talbot has alternated between a strong performance (2 GA) and a bad one (6 GA) in 2 starts for the Blue Jackets. Jesper Wallstedt has surrendered 3+ goals in 3 of 7 starts for the Wild.

Only 10 percent of public bets are on the Blue Jackets +1.5. Go to BetMGM and bet on Columbus +1.5 at -155 odds.

📡 SBR Edge: CBJ Road Trippin'

The Blue Jackets have covered the puck line in 15 straight road games against the Wild.

More NHL picks & predictions

Blue Jackets at Wild Under 6.5 (-120 via BetMGM)

The Wild have been a profitable goal total under team to start this season. A lot of that is due to Wallstedt's talent in net, holding opponents to 2 or fewer goals in 4 of his 7 starts.

The critical factor in the goal total under here is based on Talbot's play for the Blue Jackets. It's only his third start of the season, and he's facing a top-16 scoring offense.

Columbus is a neutral 3-3 for goal totals this season. The Wild are 5-2-1 toward the goal total under.

Each of the Blue Jackets' last 6 road games played on Sunday have finished under the total goals line.

Stay on BetMGM to bet Under 6.5 between the Blue Jackets and Wild.

Flames +1.5 (-135 via DraftKings)

This bet feels a bit gross, considering how bad the Flames have looked to start this season. Goaltender Dustin Wolf has only had 1 start, allowing fewer than 4 goals.

Once again, we're fading the public, with 90 percent of puck line bets placed on the Hurricanes -1.5. Brandon Bussi, Carolina's expected netminder, has had a bit of regression, giving up 4+ goals in 2 of 4 starts this year.

The Flames have covered the puck line in 9 of their last 10 games as underdogs against opponents on a winning streak. The Hurricanes just failed to cover -1.5 in their last outing, winning 3-2 against the Jets.

Go to DraftKings to bet on the Flames +1.5 at -135 odds.

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Written by:
Matt MacKay

Matt MacKay has handicapped golf, the NFL, NCAAF, and NHL since joining the sports betting industry as a writer in 2020. He’s worked for several prominent sites, recently expanding his coverage to include sports betting news and the regulatory industry. Bringing a background in communications and writing, earning a Masters Degree in Organizational Communication from Ohio University, Matt has co-hosted a fantasy football and sports betting podcast, while continuously refining his handicapping methods. This includes identifying recent trends, head-to-head statistics, and comparing individual and team strengths and weaknesses to accurately predict the outcome in certain betting markets before a game or event. He’s a daily bettor and tends to wager on FanDuel, with DraftKings and Hard Rock Bet as preferred sports betting app alternatives. An avid researcher, writer, editor, and podcaster, Matt is eager to dig into matchups to offer readers and subscribers value on his picks. He’s a big proponent of building bankroll by avoiding poor betting habits and tendencies, like chasing losses, placing too many wagers, and managing bankroll. His worst beats to date both came on two separate NFL parlays, losing due to Tyreek Hill and A.J. Brown dropping passes. NRFIs have quickly become one of Matt’s favorite betting markets, recently diving into MLB game props.