Overview
The Columbus Blue Jackets will head to Pittsburgh to take on the Penguins in this Metropolitan Division matchup. The Penguins have a 2-0 record against Columbus so far this season.
Columbus has won four of their last five games and is trying to find a way to claw their way back into the standings. The Penguins have also won four out of their last five games and have moved up into a tie for second place in the division.
Last Game Records
Blue Jackets
- Last Game: Won against the St. Louis Blues 5-4.
- 32-28-1-2 overall record
Penguins
- Last Game: Won against the Arizona Coyotes 4-1.
- 38-16-4-5 overall record
Matchup Information
Blue Jackets at Penguins Betting Analysis
Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Analysis
Columbus is thoroughly regretting the start of their season. They have been playing much better hockey, but it may be too little too late, as they are still 18 points out of third place in the division.
Offensively, the Blue Jackets have been solid all season. They are averaging 3.27 goals per game, which is the 10th best in the NHL.
In their last five games, the Blue Jackets are averaging 4.0 goals per game. In their last five away games, the Blue Jackets are averaging 3.4 goals per game.
Patrick Laine and Oliver Bjorkstrand are the offensive leaders for the Blue Jackets. Both players have played with each other for six seasons now, and the chemistry between the two is more and more relevant.
Laine has 48 total points, scoring 25 goals and assisting on 23 others. Bjorkstrand also has 48 total points, scoring 22 goals and assisting on 26 others.
Joonas Korpisalo has received starts at goaltender with the injury to Elvis Merzlikins. Korpisalo has a record of 7-10 and is giving up 4.10 goals per game.
Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Analysis
The Penguins have finally caught the New York Rangers. They are both tied at 85 points for second place in the Metropolitan Division.
The Penguins have steadily improved their offensive numbers since the All-Star break. They are up to 3.21 goals per game, which is 13th in the NHL.
In their last five games, the Penguins are averaging 3.4 goals per game. In their last five home games, the Penguins are averaging 2.8 goals per game.
The Penguins’ offense is led by Jake Guentzel and Sidney Crosby. These two are very similar to the duo in Columbus, as they have played together for six seasons now and are really starting to look like a top duo in the NHL.
Guentzel has recorded his 61 points by scoring 29 goals and assisting on 32 others. Crosby has accrued his 61 points by scoring 22 goals and assisting on 39 others.
Tristan Jarry is the main goaltender for the Penguins. He has a record of 31-12-2 and is giving up 2.28 goals per game.
Updates
The biggest injury in Columbus is the injury to their main goaltender Merzlikins. He is currently listed as questionable for tonight’s game.
The Penguins are definitely in a better spot in terms of their injury report. Pittsburgh has not added anyone to their injury report recently.
- The Blue Jackets won their moneyline bet in five of their last ten games.
- Columbus was over the total goals in six of their last ten games.
- The Penguins won their moneyline bet in seven of their last ten games,
- Pittsburgh was under the total goals in six of their last ten games.
Blue Jackets at Penguins Betting Preview
The NHL betting odds will have the Penguins as the favorite for tonight’s contest. This comes down to how superior they have been at home, with a 17-9-2-3 record.
The Blue Jackets may be on some NHL expert picks; however, they have struggled to win in away games. They have an away record of 14-15.
According to most sports betting guides, both teams have a solid duo of offense to combat one another. The biggest issue is going to come down to goaltending, and the Penguins have a very distinct advantage going up against Korpisalo.
Blue Jackets at Penguins Betting Prediction
Bet on the Pittsburgh Penguins.
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.