NHL Picks for October 18, 2026

Sunday’s NHL schedule features two games, beginning with the Columbus Blue Jackets visiting the Minnesota Wild at 6:00 PM ET. The Carolina Hurricanes travel to Calgary to face the Flames at 8:00 PM ET. Both visiting teams are playing Saturday, so fatigue and starting goaltenders could have a significant impact on Sunday’s results.

Minnesota is favored against Columbus, while Carolina is a much heavier favorite against a Calgary team that has struggled through its first seven games. We’ll take one wager from each matchup and finish with our NHL Best Bet of the Day. For more hockey predictions, check out our free NHL picks.

Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Minnesota Wild Best Bet

Columbus enters the weekend at 2-3 and faces a difficult turnaround after hosting the New York Rangers on Saturday. The Blue Jackets have struggled to establish consistent defensive play, and facing Minnesota on the road without a full day of rest won’t make things easier. Columbus has shown enough offensive ability to compete, but it hasn’t been dependable enough defensively to overcome mistakes against stronger opponents.

Minnesota has opened the season at 4-2-1 and has been considerably more reliable at home. The Wild have demonstrated an ability to control games through their defense, and they have the advantage of preparing for Columbus without playing Saturday. Minnesota is favored around -178, with the Blue Jackets available near +160. That’s a fairly expensive moneyline, but the scheduling advantage and early-season form favor the home team.

Best Bet: Minnesota Wild Moneyline (-180 or Better)

I’m taking Minnesota at home. Columbus has struggled defensively, and playing consecutive nights against the Rangers and Wild creates another difficult assignment. Minnesota has been more dependable, particularly when protecting leads, and should have opportunities to take advantage if the Blue Jackets show signs of fatigue. The Wild don’t need an exceptional offensive performance to win if they can limit Columbus’ chances and control the middle of the ice.

The concern is that Columbus has enough offensive talent to make this competitive, especially if Minnesota struggles to finish its opportunities. Laying close to -180 isn’t cheap, either. Still, the Wild have the better combination of rest, home ice and defensive consistency. I’ll back Minnesota rather than count on Columbus producing its best performance on the second night of a back-to-back.

NHL Best Bet: Minnesota Wild Moneyline (-180 or Better)

Carolina Hurricanes vs. Calgary Flames Best Bet

Carolina enters the weekend at 6-1-1 and has been one of the NHL’s strongest teams through the opening weeks. The Hurricanes have scored 31 goals in eight games while allowing only 19, giving them a plus-12 goal differential. Their offense has been productive, but their defensive consistency has been just as important. Carolina has won six consecutive games heading into Saturday’s matchup with Winnipeg, although the Hurricanes will be playing their second road game in as many nights when they arrive in Calgary.

The Flames have endured a miserable start at 1-6, scoring only 14 goals while allowing 35. That’s an average of two goals scored and five allowed per game. Calgary has also struggled in goal, with its primary goaltender posting a 4.85 goals-against average and an .834 save percentage through five appearances. Carolina has injury concerns of its own, with several regular forwards unavailable, but Calgary’s defensive problems have been far more damaging. The Hurricanes are favored around -220, with the Flames available near +195.

Best Bet: Carolina Hurricanes -1.5 Goals (+105 or Better)

Carolina is the better team, and I’m not interested in laying more than -200 on the moneyline. Calgary has allowed five goals per game, which gives the Hurricanes a realistic opportunity to win by multiple goals even if they’re playing on consecutive nights. Carolina has been generating plenty of offense, and the Flames haven’t shown enough defensive consistency to make me confident they can keep this close. If the Hurricanes establish pressure early, Calgary could find itself chasing another game.

The obvious concern is Carolina’s schedule. Playing in Winnipeg on Saturday before traveling to Calgary creates a difficult turnaround, and the Hurricanes are dealing with injuries that reduce their forward depth. Calgary also has the advantage of rest and home ice. Still, the Flames have allowed 35 goals in seven games, and that weakness is difficult to overlook. I’ll take Carolina on the puck line at plus money rather than pay the expensive moneyline price.

NHL Best Bet: Carolina Hurricanes -1.5 Goals (+105 or Better)

NHL Best Bet of the Day

Of Sunday’s two selections, Minnesota Wild Moneyline at -180 or better against Columbus earns our NHL Best Bet of the Day. The Wild have home ice and the scheduling advantage against a Blue Jackets team that will be playing its second game in consecutive nights. Minnesota has been more dependable defensively, and that gives the Wild a reasonable opportunity to control the matchup without needing an unusually high-scoring performance.

Carolina has the stronger overall statistical advantage against Calgary, but the Hurricanes’ injuries and difficult travel schedule make their puck-line wager more volatile. Minnesota’s matchup is more straightforward, even at a substantial favorite’s price.

NHL Best Bet of the Day: Minnesota Wild Moneyline (-180 or Better)