Columbus Blue Jackets vs
Pittsburgh PenguinsPredictions & Preview

Pittsburgh Penguins Favored to Dominate Metropolitan Division Showdown Against Columbus Blue Jackets

In an upcoming matchup, the Columbus Blue Jackets are set to face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins in a Metropolitan division showdown. The Blue Jackets are coming off a win against the St Louis Blues, while the Penguins have lost three straight games. Pittsburgh holds a slight lead in the standings but has played one more game. Both teams will be missing key players for the game. The Penguins are favored to win with the current line at Pittsburgh -142. Be sure to consider sportsbook promo codes when placing your bets.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Blue Jackets +125 | Penguins -142
• Spread: Blue Jackets +1.5 (-195) | Penguins -1.5 (+164)
• Total: Over/Under 6.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Pittsburgh will win straight-up is 59%.

Columbus vs Pittsburgh Stats

Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets currently have a strong offense, ranking 6th in the NHL with an average of 3.4 goals per game. However, their defense is struggling, ranking 32nd with an average of 3.6 goals allowed per game. They also have a solid power play, scoring on 22.4% of their opportunities, but their penalty kill is lacking, holding opponents scoreless only 73.5% of the time. Kirill Marchenko leads the team in goals with 17, while Zach Werenski leads in assists and points. Goalie Elvis Merzlikins has a record of 13-10-3 with a 3.18 goals-against average and .888 save percentage. Columbus is currently ranked 9th in power rankings and holds a 17-17-6 record for the season.

Pittsburgh Penguins Analysis

The Pittsburgh Penguins have a power ranking of 13 and are ranked 17th in offense, scoring an average of 3.05 goals per game. However, they are ranked 32nd in defense, giving up an average of 3.70 goals per game. Overall, the Penguins are 17-17-7 for the season. In their last three matchups against Columbus, Pittsburgh went 1-1-1. Leading goal scorer Rickard Rakell has 18 goals, while Bryan Rust has 15. Sidney Crosby leads in assists with 31 and points with 42. The Penguins have seven players with 21 points or more. Goalie Tristan Jarry is 8-6-3 with a 3.47 GAA and a .888 SV%, while Alex Nedeljkovic is 6-6-4 with a 3.22 GAA and .888 SV%.

Statistics and Head-to-Head Dominance Favor Pittsburgh in Matchup Against Columbus

In terms of goals scored and allowed, Pittsburgh holds a slight statistical advantage over Columbus with a goals-for average of 3.0 compared to 3.4. Both teams have a goals-against average of 3.6. Pittsburgh further solidifies its advantage in this matchup by possessing superior power play and penalty kill capabilities, ranking fifth and 13th respectively, while Columbus ranks 28th and 14th in those categories. Pittsburgh has dominated recent head-to-head matchups against Columbus, winning 11 of the last 14 games and securing victories in each of the last 10 games played on their home ice. On the contrary, Columbus has struggled on the road, only managing a 1-7 record in their last eight away games.

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