The Carolina Hurricanes are bringing a storm surge north of the border as they visit the Calgary Flames amidst a seven-game winning streak. Last season's Stanley Cup champions sit first in the Eastern Conference at 7-1-1.
My Hurricanes vs. Flames predictions aren't very optimistic regarding the Flames' chances of turning around an ugly 1-6-0 start to their season. They'll be hard-pressed to weather the storm at the Saddledome.
With just one other game on the slate tonight, here are my NHL picks for Sunday, Oct. 18.
Hurricanes vs Flames prediction: Hurricanes -1.5
The Carolina Hurricanes have opened 2026-27 with a perfect 5-0-0 on the road. They've won seven consecutive games since dropping their first two this season.
Carolina has won by two or more goals in five of its last six contests, while the Calgary Flames enter this matchup at 1-6-0, with all six losses coming by multiple goals. Their 35 goals allowed are third-worst in the NHL despite playing a league-low seven games thus far.
The 'Canes have won four of the last five meetings, all as favorites. At plus-money, the spread has a ton of appeal for the defending Stanley Cup champs.
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Hurricanes vs Flames combo
The 'Canes enter this matchup on a seven-game heater, have taken four of the last five meetings, and are facing a Calgary team allowing an average of five goals per game.
Jackson Blake has broken out as a playmaking offensive catalyst, picking up a helper in nine of his last 11 road contests and 17 of his last 28 overall. He exploded for 13 assists in 19 playoff games last season.
Carolina is allowing a league-low 21.7 shots against per game, and Matt Coronato has failed to record three shots in four consecutive home matches, totaling just four shots on goal. He's only cleared that line in 12 of his last 33 home games (36.4%).
Hurricanes vs Flames combo
- Hurricanes -1.5
- Jackson Blake 1+ assists
- Matt Coronato u2.5 shots
TOP PICK
Hurricanes vs Flames player prop: Jackson Blake 1+ assists
Blake is tied for the team lead with seven helpers through nine games, racking up an apple in six of his last eight. His 18:25 average ice time is up nearly two full minutes from last season.
The North Dakota product recorded a career-high 31 assists in 2025-26 and is now on pace to reach that mark before Christmas thanks to an expanded role.
COVERS INTEL: Blake has picked up an assist in 17 of 28 games (60.7%) since the beginning of a standout playoff run, in which he put up 13 in 19 games, and he has helpers in nine of his last 11 road games.Hurricanes vs Flames goal scorer: Andrei Svechnikov
To little surprise, Andrei Svechnikov leads the Hurricanes with six goals through nine games. All six of his tallies have come in the last six games, and he's scored in 10 of 18 road contests (55.6%) since February 1.
Svechnikov has scored six goals in his last 11 games against Calgary, surpassed the 30-goal mark for the first time since 2021-22 last season, and is off to a scorching start amid Carolina's current hot streak.
- Top picks: 9-8, +3.31 units
- Combos: 1-5, +2.52 units
Hurricanes vs Flames odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Moneyline: Hurricanes 66% | Flames 35%
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (48%) | Under 6.5 (53%)
- Spread: Hurricanes -1.5 (44%) | Flames +1.5 (57%)
For the full slate of NHL matchups, check out our NHL odds board!
Hurricanes vs Flames trend
Carolina won two of three head-to-head matchups last season and has taken four of the last five meetings overall. Find more NHL betting trends.
How to watch Hurricanes vs Flames
| Location | Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary, Alberta |
| Date | Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN+, TVAS, SNW, SN+ |
Hurricanes vs Flames 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.
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