Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the St. Louis Blues hosting the Dallas Stars. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.
NHL Predictions
St. Louis Blues vs. Dallas Stars
Time: 7:oo p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
How to watch U.S. TV: FanDuel Sports Network Midwest, Victory+
The Blues’ Story
The Blues have began their season with mixed results. They are entering this game at 2-2-0, and have shown flashes. Jake Neighbours has recorded four goals to start the season, including a pair in their 4-2 win against Calgary. Jimmy Snuggerud, who’s in his official rookie season, scored two in their 5-2 win against Vancouver. They’ve also been getting secondary support. It hasn’t been all top-line scoring. They’ve had strong depth throughout all their lines, which has lead to success.
Home-ice for the Blues has started off as a struggle. They’ve lost both of their home games by five goals, including an 8-3 loss to their Central Division rivals, the Chicago Blackhawks. They will need to put up a fight in their barn against Dallas to get the crowd back on their feet. Any loss by a major amount of goals again would be a cause for concern.
For the Blues to win this game, the goaltending will have to be stabilized. After a strong performance against the Flames on October 11th, Joel Hoffer struggled against Chicago, allowing seven goals on 22 shots. Jordan Binnington also saw some action against Chicago, allowing one goal on six shots. Saturdays matchup will be a chance of redemption for the starter, most likely Binnington.
The Stars’ Story
The Stars were shining to start the season. They began 3-0-0, before suffering their first lost to the Vancouver Canucks, 5-3. Wyatt Johnston has recorded four goals so far, and four other Stars already have six points on the season. The question remains, will their depth start to pick up the load? Saturday’s matchup will be big in terms of viewing how they bounce back. How will they manage matchups now that the opponents have seen more of them?
Saturday will be a measuring moment for Dallas. If Jake Oettinger‘s 3-0-0 record comes under fire by the Blues, how will the team respond? Wyatt Johnston under high leverage situations will be tested, will he continue to produce? Thursday’s loss puts them in a more familiar territory, as they are now a team that has to show a response rather than keep riding momentum.
NHL Predictions for the Blues vs. Stars
This will be a big test for both teams. Expect the Blues to come out firing, and maybe a little more physical after losing 8-3 to their rivals. Expect Dallas to try and control the game at their own pace, trying to stick to their roots to maintain a strong chemistry.
St. Louis will be going for their first home win of the season, Dallas will be trying to bounce back on their feet. We expect a close, high scoring match.
Prediction: Blues win, 4-3.
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out our predictions with some prop bets of the night. Most sportsbooks have the over/under for this game at 5.5, and we think this one is going over.
For individual props, it’s time for Jordan Kyrou to record his first goal of the season. For Dallas, we believe Wyatt Johnston will tally on another point to his already impressive start.
Main Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: October 18 St. Louis Blues vs. Dallas Stars appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.