The Minnesota Wild (63%) play host to a fatigued Columbus Blue Jackets team that will be starting a declining 39-year-old between the pipes.
It's a great spot for the Wild to flex their muscles offensively, and I'm banking Joel Eriksson Ek to get in on the fun with my Blue Jackets vs. Wild predictions.
Let's get into my NHL picks for Sunday, Oct. 18.
Blue Jackets vs Wild prediction: Wild -1.5
I’d play the Minnesota Wild -1.5 to 44%.
Their offense is in a great spot to make noise against Cam Talbot and the Columbus Blue Jackets. Talbot ranked 60th among the 66 most-used goaltenders in Goals Saved Above Expected a year ago.
He has picked up where he left off out of the gate. Of the 62 netminders with multiple starts, Talbot sits 54th in GSAx per game.
He is not set up for success in a road back-to-back after the guys in front of him played 65 minutes Saturday night, especially facing a good Minnesota squad that’s been off since Thursday.
Columbus has also struggled to kill penalties, while Minnesota ranks second with a 33.3% conversion rate on the power play.
Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account
Blue Jackets vs Wild combo
I’m combining the Wild on the puck line with Joel Eriksson Ek to register a point and Blake Coleman to notch two shots.
The Wild are 63% favorites in this 6.5 total game, and JEE picked up a point in 67% of Minnesota’s victories a season ago.
If they win with room to spare, there’s a good chance their top-line center is involved.
Coleman has produced 2+ shots on 4+ attempts in two of three home games thus far. He has a nice matchup against Columbus’ second line, which has allowed more than 33 shots on goal per 60 minutes at 5-on-5.
Blue Jackets vs Wild combo
- Wild -1.5
- Joel Eriksson Ek Over 0.5 points
- Blake Coleman Over 1.5 shots
TOP PICK
Blue Jackets vs Wild player prop: Joel Eriksson Ek Over 0.5 points
I’m on Eriksson Ek to hit the scoresheet and see value to 64%.
Eriksson Ek finds himself centering a loaded top line alongside Kirill Kaprizov and Matthew Boldy, which is prime real estate.
Minnesota’s No. 1 trio has controlled 63.3% of the expected goals at 5-on-5 while out-scoring teams 6-0.
Eriksson Ek also has exposure to all the big guns on the power play, and Columbus’ penalty kill ranks 27th in goals against per 60.
Talbot starting is the cherry on top. The 39-year-old has allowed 2.1 goals above expectation through two starts, and it’s hard to imagine things getting much better.
COVERS INTEL: The Blue Jackets are allowing the fourth most shots per game to opposing centers this season.
Blue Jackets vs Wild goal scorer: Joel Eriksson Ek
I’m going back to the well with Eriksson Ek.
The Wild have six players who have generated at least 1.5 expected goals this season. Eriksson Ek is the only one without multiple goals despite his xG output sitting at 3.6.
He’s getting plenty of looks alongside Kaprizov and Boldy — as you’d expect — and he’s also a real threat to pot a rebound from the high volume of shots his wingers throw towards the goal.
Eriksson Ek is currently shooting almost 6% below his career average, and Talbot is someone who could get him back on track.
- Top picks: 9-7, +0.87 units
- Combos: 2-14, -6.0 units
Blue Jackets vs Wild odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Moneyline: Blue Jackets 38% | Wild 63%
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (48%) | Under 6.5 (53%)
- Spread: Blue Jackets +1.5 (60%) | Wild -1.5 (41%)
For the full slate of NHL matchups, check out our NHL odds board!
Blue Jackets vs Wild trend
Minnesota has won 10 of their last 12 games at home (+8.40 units, 44% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends.
How to watch Blue Jackets vs Wild
| Location | Grand Casino Arena, St. Paul, Minn. |
| Date | Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 6 p.m. ET |
| TV | SN+, ESPN+ |
Blue Jackets vs Wild latest injuries
Check out our NHL injuries page for updates on every team.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
