The NHL features 15 games on January 18, with only the Buffalo Sabres and Carolina Hurricanes not playing. The focus is on key matchups, starting with the Minnesota Wild facing the Nashville Predators. The Wild, struggling with goaltending, have lost three of their last four games. The Predators, on the other hand, are showing improvement with better goaltending performance. Betting experts suggest backing the Predators on the Moneyline and anticipating over 5.5 goals.

In another notable matchup, the Vegas Golden Knights meet the Chicago Blackhawks. Despite the Blackhawks’ recent struggles, their games have been closely contested. However, with Petr Mrazek expected to start for Chicago, who has allowed numerous goals, betting on the Golden Knights to cover the puck line seems wise. A high-scoring game is anticipated here as well.

Ryan O’Reilly's impressive performance led the Nashville Predators to a 4-1 victory over the Calgary Flames, marking his fifth career hat trick. O’Reilly opened the scoring in the second period with a power-play goal, and rookie Fedor Svechkov contributed with a goal and an assist for his first multipoint game. The Predators secured their second consecutive road win, demonstrating improved form.

The Flames, however, faced disappointment as Mikael Backlund scored the lone goal, suffering consecutive losses for the first time since November. Rookie goaltender Dustin Wolf, despite a solid performance, fell to 12-6-2.

Ryan O'Reilly's impressive performance propelled the Nashville Predators to a decisive 4-1 victory over the Calgary Flames on Saturday. This marked O'Reilly's fifth career hat trick, showcasing his scoring prowess. Rookie Fedor Svechkov contributed to the win with both a goal and an assist, celebrating his first multi-point game in the NHL. Filip Forsberg also played a key role, providing two assists. The Predators' victory came on the heels of a successful outing against the Vancouver Canucks, marking their second consecutive road win.

Calgary's Mikael Backlund managed to score the Flames' only goal, but the team is now facing consecutive losses for the first time since November. Justus Annunen was solid in goal for Nashville, making 31 saves to improve his record, while Dustin Wolf, despite his efforts, saw his record slip with the loss. The Flames struggled with their power play, conceding goals while also failing to capitalize on their opportunities.

Mackenzie Blackwood has quickly made a name for himself as the starting goalie for the Colorado Avalanche after signing a lucrative five-year contract extension worth $26.25 million. This deal will keep him with the team through the 2029-30 season and reflects the Avalanche's confidence in his abilities, especially following his acquisition from the San Jose Sharks on December 9. Since joining Colorado, Blackwood has posted a commendable 3-1 record, showcasing a 2.03 goals-against average and an impressive .931 save percentage.

General manager Chris MacFarland expressed optimism about Blackwood's potential, noting his growth as a player and his adaptability to the new environment. In his Avalanche debut, Blackwood excelled with 37 saves in a 5-2 victory against the Nashville Predators, marking him as only the fourth goalie in NHL history to achieve such a feat in his first game with a franchise. Throughout his initial four starts with Colorado, he has consistently limited opponents to two goals or fewer, bringing his overall record for the season to 9-10-3.

Blackwood's career trajectory includes time with the New Jersey Devils, who drafted him in 2015, before his recent moves to San Jose and now Colorado. His overall statistics reflect a challenging yet promising career, with 84 wins against 92 losses, along with 11 shutouts over 219 games played. The Avalanche have also revamped their goaltending lineup by acquiring Scott Wedgewood from Nashville, aiming to enhance their defensive stability after a shaky start to the season. Currently, the Avalanche sit at 21-15, showing marked improvement in December with a record of 8-3 and a reduced goals-against average of 2.45.

Mackenzie Blackwood has quickly made his mark as the starting goalie for the Colorado Avalanche, following a five-year contract extension worth $26.25 million. This deal, confirmed by a source close to the situation, secures Blackwood's role with the team through the 2029-30 season, reflecting the Avalanche's confidence in his abilities after acquiring him from San Jose in December.

Since joining the Avalanche, Blackwood has demonstrated impressive performance, posting a record of 3-1, a goals-against average of 2.03, and a save percentage of .931. General Manager Chris MacFarland praised Blackwood for his growth as a player, emphasizing his athleticism and potential as a young goaltender.

In his debut with Colorado, Blackwood recorded 37 saves in a 5-2 victory against Nashville, making him only the fourth goalie in NHL history to achieve such a feat in his first game with a franchise. His consistency has been notable, as he has not allowed more than two goals in any of his first four games with the Avalanche, improving his overall season record to 9-10-3.

Blackwood, a former second-round pick by the New Jersey Devils in 2015, has a career record of 84-92-25 with 11 shutouts across 219 games. The Avalanche have also revamped their goaltending lineup by acquiring Scott Wedgewood, providing much-needed stability after a shaky start to the season.

With a recent surge in performance, the Avalanche have climbed to sixth in the Western Conference standings, allowing an average of just 2.45 goals per game in December, a significant improvement from their earlier struggles.