Blue Jackets vs. Wild prediction: Why Minnesota is favored to win Sunday's NHL matchup [10/18/2026]

Using innovative machine learning and data analysis, we have re-simulated the outcome of Sunday's NHL matchup between the Blue Jackets and Wild, forming part of our NHL predictions coverage.

Our independent predictive model gives the Wild a 61.4% chance of defeating the Blue Jackets. According to our model, the Blue Jackets (+1.5) have a 60.6% chance of covering the puck line, while the 6.5-goal over/under has a 54.1% chance of staying under.

Latest betting odds

We have researched the best NHL odds in America for this game, which are listed here:

• Puck Line: Blue Jackets +1.5 (-141) / Wild -1.5 (+138)
• Moneyline: Blue Jackets +170, Wild -178
• Total: Over/Under 6.5 (+108/-113)

All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Model picks and best bet

After matching our predictions against the best available odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets in this matchup. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:

• Puck line: Blue Jackets +1.5 @ 59¢ via Novig
• Moneyline: Blue Jackets @ 37¢ via Novig
• Total: Under 6.5 @ 53¢ via Novig

According to our NHL best bets, the top play to make on this game is Blue Jackets +1.5 at the spread.

These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the current available odds.

Blue Jackets vs. Wild player props

Who will score a goal in Blue Jackets vs. Wild?

According to our model, Kirill Kaprizov is most likely to score an anytime goal in Blue Jackets vs. Wild.

Our projections give Kaprizov a 52.7% chance of scoring a goal at Grand Casino Arena, while the star is a 12.7% chance of registering the first goal the game.

Anytime goal scorer predictions

Columbus Blue Jackets

• Adam Fantilli: 26.8% probability
• Matthew Knies: 24.6% probability
• Zach Werenski: 23.4% probability
• Charlie Coyle: 22.9% probability
• Valeri Nichushkin: 21.2% probability

Minnesota Wild

• Kirill Kaprizov: 52.7% probability
• Matt Boldy: 46.2% probability
• Joel Ek: 28.3% probability
• Blake Coleman: 25.8% probability
• Ryan Hartman: 23.7% probability

First goal scorer predictions

Columbus Blue Jackets

• Adam Fantilli: 4.9% probability
• Matthew Knies: 4.6% probability
• Charlie Coyle: 4.5% probability
• Zach Werenski: 4.0% probability
• Valeri Nichushkin: 3.8% probability

Minnesota Wild

• Kirill Kaprizov: 12.7% probability
• Matt Boldy: 9.4% probability
• Joel Ek: 5.4% probability
• Blake Coleman: 5.1% probability
• Ryan Hartman: 4.0% probability

Game info & puck drop details

Sunday's action between the Wild and Blue Jackets at Grand Casino Arena is scheduled to begin at 6:00 PM ET.

• Who: Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Minnesota Wild
• Date: Sunday, October 18, 2026
• Time: 6:00 PM ET/3:00PM PT
• Venue: Grand Casino Arena

Conclusion

We predict the Wild, with a 61.4% win probability, will likely beat the Blue Jackets in Sunday's NHL matchup.

Additional tools and information for betting safely can be found in our Responsible Gambling hub.

This article's predictions and probabilities are generated by Dimers' proprietary NHL prediction model. Our editorial team reviews the resulting content for accuracy and presentation before publication.