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Wild vs. Blue Jackets prediction: Why Minnesota is favored to win Thursday's NHL matchup [12/18/2025]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Ryan Leaver, Senior Sports and Betting Editor
Get Minnesota Wild vs Columbus Blue Jackets predictions for NHL Thursday.
The Columbus Blue Jackets and Minnesota Wild are scheduled to meet in the NHL at Nationwide Arena on Thursday, with puck drop at 7:00 PM ET.
Based on the latest simulations, Dimers' proven NHL model gives the Wild a slight edge with a 52% win probability over the Blue Jackets.
This article offers an expanded analysis of Thursday's Wild vs. Blue Jackets matchup, including projected goal scorers, best bets and player prop picks.
Wild vs. Blue Jackets prediction: Who will win and cover?
Using innovative machine learning and statistical analysis, we have simulated the result of Thursday's NHL matchup between the Wild and Blue Jackets 10,000 times as part of our NHL predictions coverage.
Our independent predictive model gives the Wild a 52% chance of defeating the Blue Jackets.
According to our model, the Blue Jackets (+1.5) have a 70% chance of covering the puck line, while the over/under total of six goals has an equal 50-50 chance of hitting.
Wild vs. Blue Jackets odds
We have researched the best NHL odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Wild | Blue Jackets |
|---|---|---|
| Puck Line | -1.5 (+205) | +1.5 (-235) |
| Moneyline | -120 | +100 |
| Total | o6 (-130) | u6 (+100) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Wild vs. Blue Jackets picks and best bet
After matching our predictions against the best current odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
| Bet Type | Pick | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Puck Line | Blue Jackets +1.5 | -235 |
| Moneyline | Blue Jackets | +100 |
| Total | Under 6 | +100 |
According to our NHL best bets, the top play to make on this game is Under 6 total goals.
Wild vs. Blue Jackets player props
Who will score a goal in Wild vs. Blue Jackets?
According to our model, Kirill Kaprizov is most likely to score an anytime goal in Wild vs. Blue Jackets.
Our projections give Kaprizov a 48.2% chance of scoring a goal at Nationwide Arena, while the star is an 11.5% chance of netting the first goal the game.
Anytime goal scorer predictions
Minnesota Wild
| Player | Anytime Goal Probability |
|---|---|
| Kirill Kaprizov | 48.2% |
| Matt Boldy | 37.4% |
| Joel Ek | 27.0% |
| Danila Yurov | 23.5% |
| Quinn Hughes | 19.9% |
Columbus Blue Jackets
| Player | Anytime Goal Probability |
|---|---|
| Adam Fantilli | 32.9% |
| Dmitri Voronkov | 26.9% |
| Kirill Marchenko | 26.5% |
| Zach Werenski | 24.6% |
| Sean Monahan | 21.3% |
First goal scorer predictions
Minnesota Wild
| Player | First Goal Probability |
|---|---|
| Kirill Kaprizov | 11.5% |
| Matt Boldy | 7.6% |
| Joel Ek | 5.4% |
| Danila Yurov | 4.2% |
| Quinn Hughes | 3.4% |
Columbus Blue Jackets
| Player | First Goal Probability |
|---|---|
| Adam Fantilli | 6.7% |
| Dmitri Voronkov | 4.8% |
| Kirill Marchenko | 4.8% |
| Zach Werenski | 4.7% |
| Sean Monahan | 4.0% |
Wild vs. Blue Jackets game-day updates and essential details
Thursday's action between the Blue Jackets and Wild at Nationwide Arena is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM ET.
- Who: Minnesota Wild vs. Columbus Blue Jackets
- Date: Thursday, December 18, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM ET/4:00PM PT
- Venue: Nationwide Arena
Conclusion
We predict the Wild, with a 52% win probability, will likely beat the Blue Jackets on Thursday.
AI and automation have enhanced this article to quickly deliver accurate Wild vs. Blue Jackets insights, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are drawn from up-to-date data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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Ryan Leaver uses advanced statistical models and simulations to predict outcomes and provide predictions for the NBA, NFL, college football, college basketball, and soccer. He offers detailed game previews, best bets, props, and futures articles.
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