- Matchup: Columbus Blue Jackets vs Minnesota Wild
- Date: Sunday, October 18, 2026
- Venue: Grand Casino Arena, Saint Paul, MN
- Broadcast: Blue Jackets Hockey Network, Wild+
- Betting Odds: Blue Jackets (+165) Wild (-190)
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The Minnesota Wild (5-2-1) will square off against the Columbus Blue Jackets (2-3-0) at Grand Casino Arena this Sunday. The betting line for this encounter places the Blue Jackets at +165, while the Wild are favored at -190. The total points for this game are set at 6.5.
In their latest outing, the Columbus Blue Jackets faced a tough opponent in the Panthers, suffering a 7-3 defeat. Columbus found themselves in the penalty box for a total of 25 minutes during the match. Despite their effort, the Blue Jackets had only a mediocre offensive output, managing just 3 goals on 27 shots. They had 2 power play opportunities but failed to capitalize on either.
This season, Columbus’s opponents have had 18 power play chances, ranking them last in the league, converting 7 of those opportunities. The Blue Jackets have faced 134 shots, boasting a save percentage of .843. Additionally, they have taken 139 shots, yielding a shot percentage of 10.8%. In even-strength play, Columbus has conceded 14 goals while scoring 13. They have had 12 power play chances, scoring twice, leading to a conversion rate of 16.67%. Currently, the Columbus Blue Jackets sit with 4 points, holding a points percentage of .400, having netted 15 goals (29th in the league) while allowing 21.
Starting in net for the Blue Jackets will likely be Cam Talbot. With a wealth of experience in 569 games, Talbot holds an impressive record of 279-205-53, featuring in 535 as a starter. He has faced 1,450 goals throughout his career, maintaining a goals-against average of 2.71. With 16,234 shots against him, Talbot has made 14,786 saves, achieving a save percentage of .911 over his tenure. His career includes 294 quality starts, with a quality start percentage of .550.
On the opposite side, the Minnesota Wild recently battled the Blues, claiming victory with a score of 5-4. They successfully converted 1 of their 5 power play chances during the match, totaling 5 goals from 38 shots on goal.
The Wild have logged 233 shots this season (6th in the NHL) with an impressive shot percentage of 11.16%, while allowing 214 shots against them. Their penalty kill rate stands at 88.46%, successfully defending 23 out of 26 power play situations. Minnesota boasts 24 power play opportunities, with a conversion rate of 33.33%. They’ve scored 18 goals at even strength alongside 8 power play goals (4th in the NHL), while allowing 20 goals total—17 at even strength and 3 while shorthanded. This season, the Minnesota Wild have racked up 26 goals and 11 points, achieving a points percentage of .688.
Jesper Wallstedt is expected to be the goaltender for the Wild. He has averaged 2.64 goals against per game, conceding 119 goals throughout his career. Wallstedt boasts a quality start percentage of 71.1%, with 32 quality starts in his NHL journey. He has appeared in 45 games with a career record of 25-13-7. Wallstedt has made 1,229 saves out of 1,347 shots faced, giving him a save percentage of .912.
Which team will prevail in this exciting NHL matchup? Will it be against the spread or moneyline?
Choice: Bet on Columbus (+165)
