The Pittsburgh Penguins play the Columbus Blue Jackets in the NHL’s only game on Friday night. Welcome back to NHL Predictions here on Last Word on Hockey! Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for all the NHL’s games. In today’s matchup, the Pittsburgh Penguins host the Columbus Blue Jackets at PPG Paints Arena. Both teams are looking to gain some momentum with the end of the season closing in.
NHL Predictions
Columbus Blue Jackets vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Blue Jackets 2-0 Penguins
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: NHL Network, Sportsnet+
This is the third meeting between these squads in the 2024-25 season. The Blue Jackets took the first two games by scores of 6-2 and 4-3. In this game, the Blue Jackets look to regain some points in the wildcard race, following a disappointing stretch recently.
The Penguins’ Story
The Pittsburgh Penguins have shown signs of life since the trade deadline. The team won four straight games prior to their loss to the New York Islanders in their last game. With this stretch, their record is 28-32-10. With this record, the team is seventh last in the NHL standings. A crucial note is that the Penguins are tied for having played the most games in the NHL heading into this one, meaning there’s a good chance of other teams below them surpassing their points total due solely on games in hand.
With the season coming to a close, captain Sidney Crosby’s point-per-game record chase is getting more recognition. Currently, Crosby is tied with Wayne Gretzky for the most point-per-game seasons in NHL history with 19. Scoring 74 points in 68 games this season, Crosby is closing in on a record-setting 20th straight season hitting this mark. Playing with him is trigger-man Rickard Rakell and swiss-army knife Bryan Rust. Rakell has scored 31 goals and 59 points in 69 games, while Rust has 22 goals and 49 points in 59 games. The trio will be a significant focus of the Blue Jackets defence in this game, and the Jackets will need to shut them down to ensure getting two valuable points.
The Blue Jackets’ Story
With a 31-28-8 record, the Blue Jackets have 70 points on the season. This places them three points back of the Montreal Canadiens, who hold the second-wildcard spot with 73 points. The Blue Jackets have been in freefall since the trade deadline, losing four straight heading into this game, and going 4-6-0 in their last 10. Just a month ago, it seemed the Jackets making the playoffs was a foregone conclusion. Now, the Jackets will need another significant run to try to reclaim the playoff spot they held earlier in the season.
Defenceman Zach Werenski has broken out into a premier defenceman this season. With 20 goals and 69 points, Werenski leads Columbus in scoring. Behind Werenski has been a slew of young talent establishing themselves in the league. Chief among them is sniper Kirill Marchenko. Marchenko has 25 goals and 62 points in 64 games. The Jackets will need contributions from these two, along with their young star centres Kent Johnson and Adam Fantilli to snap their losing skid.
NHL Prediction
The Penguins held a lead against the Islanders in the third, only to blow it and lose in regulation. The team has struggled with holding leads and playing defence. Expect the hungry Blue Jackets to show-up big against Pittsburgh and stop their current losing streak.
NHL Prediction: Blue Jackets win 5-3
Prop Bet for the Night
Total Goals Over 7 (+172): The Penguins struggle with defence and have been playing a good offensive game recently. The Blue Jackets have been similar, but have a deeper roster at this point in time. Expect a high-scoring game between these two divisional rivals.
Main Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
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