Columbus Blue Jackets vs Pittsburgh Penguins Prediction 1/17/2026 Today’s NHL Picks

The Columbus Blue Jackets and Pittsburgh Penguins meet Saturday in NHL action at the PPG Paints Arena. Here’s a Columbus Blue Jackets vs Pittsburgh Penguins Prediction. This article will include a Columbus Blue Jackets vs Pittsburgh Penguins Pick.

Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Preview

The Columbus Blue Jackets beat the Canucks and Flames, and play the Senators next. The Blue Jackets have won 3 straight games.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are averaging 2.98 goals per game and are scoring on 20.3 percent of their power play opportunities. Zach Werenski leads Columbus with 18 goals, Kirill Marchenko has 23 assists and Adam Fantilli has 129 shots on goal. Defensively, the Columbus Blue Jackets are allowing 3.32 goals per game and are killing 74.2 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Jet Greaves has allowed 87 goals on 942 shots faced, and Elvis Merzlikins has given up 59 goals on 502 shots.

Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Preview

The Pittsburgh Penguins lost to the Lightning, beat the Flyers, and they play the Kraken next. The Penguins have won 8 of their last 12 games.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are averaging 3.17 goals per game and are scoring 29.4 percent of their power play opportunities. Sidney Crosby leads Pittsburgh with 25 goals, Erik Karlsson has 29 assists, and Bryan Rust has 112 shots on goal. Defensively, the Pittsburgh Penguins are allowing 2.91 goals per game and are killing 83.2 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Arturs Silovs has allowed 62 goals on 565 shots faced, while Tristan Jarry has given up 36 goals on 396 shots.

Why the Pittsburgh Penguins will win

• The Blue Jackets have lost 12 of their last 13 night games at PPG Paints Arena following a win.
• The Penguins have won each of their last six night games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• The Penguins have covered the puck line in each of their last seven night games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• The Blue Jackets have failed to cover the puck line in four of their last five games at PPG Paints Arena following a home win.
• The Blue Jackets have lost the second period in each of their last four games as road underdogs against Metropolitan Division opponents when leading after the first period.

Why the Columbus Blue Jackets will win

• The Penguins have lost six of their last seven games as home favorites following a win.
• The Blue Jackets have won four of their last five games as underdogs against the Penguins.
• The Penguins have failed to cover the puck line in 12 of their last 13 games as home favorites following a win.
• The underdogs have covered the puck line in seven of the last eight games between the Blue Jackets and Penguins.
• The Penguins have lost the second period in each of their last four home games against Eastern Conference opponents when trailing after the first period.

Total Goals Facts

• Each of the last six night games between the Blue Jackets and Penguins have gone OVER the total goals line.
• Each of the Blue Jackets’ last five games against the Penguins following a home win have gone OVER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in each of the last four games between the Blue Jackets and Penguins.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Blue Jackets’ last four games as underdogs.

Pittsburgh Penguins Player Prop Facts

• Bryan Rust has scored at least one goal in each of the Penguins’ last four games as home favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents.
• Erik Karlsson has recorded at least one assist in seven of his last eight appearances in home games.
• Bryan Rust has scored two goals against the Blue Jackets this season – equal-most against any opponent.

Columbus Blue Jackets Player Prop Facts

• Charlie Coyle has scored a goal in each of his last three appearances with his team as an underdog against the Penguins.
• Kirill Marchenko has recorded at least one assist in five of the Blue Jackets’ last six night games.
• Dmitri Voronkov has scored three goals against the Penguins this season – most against any opponent.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Pittsburgh Penguins are the only team to lose a game when leading by 3 or more goals after Period 2 this season.
• The Pittsburgh Penguins have suffered the largest comeback loss this season – led by four goals vs Sharks on December, 13.
• The Columbus Blue Jackets have suffered the equal-most losses when tied or leading after Period 1 this season (18).
• The Columbus Blue Jackets have suffered the most losses when tied or leading after Period 2 this season (14).

Columbus Blue Jackets vs Pittsburgh Penguins Prediction

The Blue Jackets are having a nice week, but we’re not going to ignore the struggles beyond this week, and they’ve lost 12 times on the road. The Penguins have played some of their best hockey over the last month, and they’re usually a tough out at home. The Penguins have also won 3 of the last 4 games against the Blue Jackets, and that includes an overtime win on the road two weeks ago. I’ll give the edge to the Penguins on their home ice.

Randy Chambers's Pick: Pittsburgh Penguins