Free NHL Expert and Computer Picks For Every Game Oct. 18, 2026
Predicted Score
Team |
Predicted Score |
ML |
Total |
Puck Line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2.76 |
+160 
|
o6.5 +102
|
+2.5 -300 
|
|
3.67 |
-180 
|
u7.5 -310
|
-2.5 +210
|
Columbus
Minnesota
Predicted Score
Team |
Predicted Score |
ML |
Total |
Puck Line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
3.72 |
-209
|
o6.0 -120 
|
-1.5 +118 
|
|
2.62 |
+185 
|
u6.5 -125 
|
+1.5 -130
|
Carolina
Calgary
CLB
@
MIN
Sun, Oct 18 • 6:00 PM ET
Joel Eriksson Ek o0.5 Goals Scored (+160)
The Minnesota Wild have six players who have generated at least 1.5 expected goals this season. Joel Eriksson Ek is the only one without multiple goals despite his xG output sitting at 3.6.
Eriksson Ek is currently shooting almost 6% below his career average, and Cam Talbot is someone who could get him back on track.
Joel Eriksson Ek o0.5 Points (-155)
I’m on Joel 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.
Our experts and prediction models are hard at work analyzing the data. Check back shortly for today's picks, or explore our Computer Picks for inspiration.
We've combined statistical analysis and machine learning to make these computer picks. The table above shows you how the computer has done in its last 100 picks against the moneyline, spread (puck line), and total with $100 units.
Seeing where the computer has had success, or has failed, can give you some insight into where the betting value might lie going forward.
Use our computer picks as the starting point in your handicapping journey. Our computer analyzes every stat in our database and chooses the bet that has the most likely outcome. Now, use our other tools to do your own research and see if that research agrees or disagrees with the computer.
An NHL moneyline bet is simple: all you need to do is pick a winner. Whether that's in regulation or overtime, they don't ask how, but how many, right?
| Team | Moneyline Odds |
|---|---|
| Edmonton Oilers | -130 |
| Florida Panthers | +110 |
As with all moneyline odds, the team with the minus sign (-) is the favorite, while the side with the plus sign (+) is the underdog.
Betting $100 on Edmonton at -130 would net you $176 in winnings if they win the game, $76 of profit plus your initial $100 wager. Conversely, if you bet on Florida and they win, you get $210: $110 in profit plus your initial $100 bet.
The puck line is the NHL's version of the spread, where each team is given a certain number of goals to either win or lose by. Unlike the NFL or the NBA, the NHL spread doesn't typically change from 1.5 for each side. The spread is designed to make betting on the favorite more enticing.
| Team | Moneyline Odds | Puck line Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Edmonton Oilers | -130 | -1.5 (-110) |
| Florida Panthers | +110 | +1.5 (-180) |
The favorite, Edmonton at -1.5, would need to win by at least two goals for the bet to cash. If Edmonton wins by two or more goals, in other words, "covers the bet," you'd get $191 in winnings instead of $176 by taking them on the moneyline.
There are two ways for the underdog, Florida at +1.5, to "cover" a +1.5 puck line bet. They can lose by a single goal or win outright to cash. The odds are shorter, but you have options on this bet.
With a total bet, you're wagering on the total number of goals scored by both teams. You aren't backing any single side to win.
| Team | Total Odds |
|---|---|
| Edmonton Oilers | O5.5 (-115) |
| Florida Panthers | U5.5 (-105) |
Sportsbooks will set a line for the game. In this case, it's 5.5 goals. Your job is to figure out if Edmonton and Florida will score more or fewer than 5.5 goals, not counting the shootout.
If you see a line that's an even number, like 6.0, those bets can end in a push where your wager is refunded if the game ends at exactly six goals.
You know what the moneyline, spread (puck line), and total bets are, so you're ready to start betting on NHL hockey. But before you start placing bets with your gut, make sure to check out our betting tools and betting guides.
They can guide you with more than just moneyline, spread, and total bets. They can also help you find value in the futures and player props markets.
If you're ready to bet on NHL picks, you first need to find the right sportsbook. Our NHL betting sites guide offers secure banking, the best odds, bonuses, and reliable customer service options for you.
Covers’ NHL picks typically release on game day. Some significant matchups like playoff games release in the days leading up to the game.
Covers provides free NHL picks covering many markets, including puck lines, totals, moneylines, player props, and more.
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