Expert prediction
NHL Picks and Parlays Today — Best Bets for All Games on Oct 18, 2026
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
Our best bet on the NHL games on Oct 16 was a winner, and this Sunday, we will be aiming to continue our NHL hot streak. After a busy evening of hockey games on Oct 17, there are just two showdowns in the NHL on Sunday, consisting of the Minnesota Wild playing host to the Columbus Blue Jackets, and the Calgary Flames hosting the Carolina Hurricanes at the Scotiabank Saddledome. You can find our NHL picks and parlays for today right here. Best NHL Picks and Parlays Today
Best NHL Picks and Parlays Today
- Best Pick: Carolina Hurricanes (-1.5) (@ Calgary Flames)
- Best Value: Under 4.5 Goals (Columbus Blue Jackets @ Minnesota Wild)
- Team to Fade: Calgary Flames (vs. Carolina Hurricanes)
- Best NHL Parlay Bet: Carolina Hurricanes (-1.5) & Under 4.5 Goals for Columbus Blue Jackets @ Minnesota Wild
ALSO SEE: Breeders’ Cup Classic Picks, Odds, Leading Contenders, Betting Insights & Analysis
NHL Best Bets Today: Key Game Breakdown & Predictions
Carolina Hurricanes @ Calgary Flames Prediction & Odds
Date: Sunday, October 18 | 8:00 PM ET | Scotiabank Saddledome, Calgary
Game Preview
The Calgary Flames have had a miserable start to the NHL season, and they enter this weekend’s home clash with the Carolina Hurricanes sitting eighth in the Pacific Division. Morale will be low following heavy recent defeats against the Vegas Golden Knights, Anaheim Ducks, and Colorado Avalanche, allowing 19 goals across their previous four. Fatigue would be the main concern for one of our standing NHL picks and parlays selections today, as the Carolina Hurricanes play on back-to-back nights.
However, their recent form has been electric, winning six on the bounce since a home loss against the Washington Capitals at the start of October. Offensive quality has been evident in their game, with 13 goals scored across their last three. Despite playing on back-to-back evenings, the Canes look like excellent value to cover the spread against the underperforming Flames.
- Best Bet: Carolina Hurricanes (-1.5)
Columbus Blue Jackets @ Minnesota Wild Prediction & Odds
Date: Sunday, October 18 | 6:00 PM ET | Grand Casino Arena, MN
Game Preview
The Minnesota Wild will take confidence from their start to the season, as they sit third in the Central Division. They also gained confidence after a rallying 5-4 home win over the St. Louis Blues on Thursday. That was an excellent response after a road loss to the Winnipeg Jets, and the Wild come into the weekend after winning two in a row at Grand Casino Arena. The Columbus Blue Jackets have had a contrasting start, sitting seventh in the Metropolitan Division. Fatigue could also impact their chances on Sunday, as they play on back-to-back nights.
The Blue Jackets come into the weekend after suffering back-to-back losses against the St. Louis Blues and Florida Panthers. The visitors will need a strong defensive showing, while the Wild have been largely reliable defensively so far this season. Therefore, a low-scoring encounter should be expected at Grand Casino Arena.
- Best Bet: Under 4.5 Goals
Best NHL Picks For Every Game on Oct 18, 2026
| NHL Game | Pick |
|---|---|
| Columbus Blue Jackets @ Minnesota Wild | Under 4.5 Goals |
| Carolina Hurricanes @ Calgary Flames | Carolina Hurricanes (-1.5) |
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NHL
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