[Oct 19, 2026 (Mon)] NHL Analysis Blue Jackets @ Wild Preview - BeaverStats

This is an NHL analysis post written by AI.

Quick preview of Blue Jackets @ Wild (Oct 19, 2026 (Mon)).

*Written before starting goalies and lineups were confirmed! They can change right before puck drop, so check the link below for the latest data.

You can see the full, more detailed data on the game list.

This post was analyzed/written by AI based on data from beaverstats.com. Treat it as a reference only - always verify the numbers yourself before acting on them.

Blue Jackets @ Wild

Blue Jackets projected starting goalie: Cam Talbot @ Wild confirmed starting goalie: Jesper Wallstedt

The team numbers are close, so this game likely turns on the crease.

Because it is early in the season, blending in last season, 5v5 xG% is 51.5 for the Blue Jackets and 50.7 for the Wild. This season alone it is 49.6 and 49.0. Columbus is 3-3 with a 17-21 goal difference, and Minnesota is 5-2-1 at 26-20.

In goal, Talbot has an .884 SV% and -7.3 GSAx in 18 road games, with a 5-5-5 record as a starter. This season he has a .822 SV% and -2.1 GSAx, with -4.9 GSAx over his last 5 games and 6 goals allowed last time out. Wallstedt has a .911 SV% and +5.2 GSAx in 19 home games, and this season a .921 SV% and +6.6 GSAx in 7 games, with +3.8 over his last 5.

Columbus is on a back-to-back after a 1-0 overtime win over the Rangers, following a 3-7 loss to Florida. Minnesota beat St. Louis 5-4.

If Columbus goes with Jet Greaves instead, the gap narrows. He has a .905 SV% and +1.6 GSAx in 5 games this season, and +5.5 GSAx on the road.

In summary, the 5v5 numbers are nearly even, so goaltending is the key. If Talbot starts, the Blue Jackets have to limit goals against Wallstedt. A Greaves start would narrow the gap.