Pittsburgh Penguins vs
Columbus Blue JacketsPredictions & Preview

Pittsburgh Penguins Favored to Win Divisional Match-Up Against Struggling Columbus Blue Jackets

The Pittsburgh Penguins are currently struggling with a 6-9-3 record, while the Columbus Blue Jackets (5-8-2) have also hit a rough patch after a strong start. The Penguins will face the Blue Jackets on Friday in a divisional match-up. Pittsburgh is favored to win with a -126 line. Stay tuned for our prediction on the outcome of this game.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Penguins -126 | Blue Jackets +110
• Spread: Penguins -1.5 (+184) | Blue Jackets +1.5 (-218)
• Total: Over/Under 6.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Pittsburgh will win straight-up is 56%.

Pittsburgh vs Columbus Stats

Pittsburgh Penguins

Despite high expectations entering the season, the Pittsburgh Penguins have struggled, with a poor record on the road and recent losses dimming their playoff hopes. The team's lackluster defense has led to the second most goals allowed in the NHL, overshadowing the offensive efforts of Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby. With a power ranking of 20 and a subpar record of 6-9-3, the Penguins have a long road ahead to turn their season around.

Columbus Blue Jackets Analysis

The Columbus Blue Jackets started the season strong at 5-3-1 but have hit a rough patch, going 0-4-1 on a recent road trip. Despite ranking 16th in the NHL for goals scored at 3.07 per game, their goaltending has struggled, with a 29th ranking in goals allowed and a .882 save percentage. The team's top scorers remain Marchenko, Monahan, and Chinakhov, with Werenski also performing well. However, consistency is lacking for Columbus, as shown in their recent 5-2 loss to the Seattle Kraken. Overall, the Blue Jackets have a power ranking of 26, rank 16th in offense, and 28th in defense, with an overall record of 5-8-2. In their last three matchups, Pittsburgh went 1-2-0 against Columbus.

Pittsburgh Penguins Look to Continue Dominance Against Struggling Rival in NHL Showdown

In recent weeks, both teams have struggled in the NHL, collectively achieving only one victory in their last 10 games. Despite this, the Pittsburgh Penguins have maintained their dominance in the head-to-head rivalry. Over the course of 10 meetings, the Penguins have secured an impressive 8-2 record against their opponents. While the record evens out at 2-2 in Columbus, Pittsburgh's superior lineup, bolstered by star players, suggests they are well-equipped to overcome their recent challenges and secure a significant victory in this upcoming matchup. Expect the Penguins to return to form and emerge victorious.

Sources: [ 1 ] [ 2 ]