Pittsburgh Penguins (28-32-10) vs Columbus Blue Jackets (31-28-9)
March 21, 2025 at 07:00 PM EDT
The Line: Betting Odds: Pittsburgh Penguins -142 / Columbus Blue Jackets +120 — Over/Under: 6.5
In this article, we will formulate a Blue Jackets vs Penguins prediction for this NHL game on Friday, March 21 at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Preview
The Columbus Blue Jackets (31-28-9, 41-27 ATS) are going through a rough patch at the moment; they lost seven of the previous eight games and are currently on a five-game losing skid. The Blue Jackets suffered defeats to the Devils (twice), Golden Knights, Rangers, and Panthers, failing to score in three of those and scoring a miserable four goals in total. Columbus is 6th in the Metropolitan Division Standings with 71 points, a point behind the Islanders and Rangers and 29 behind the leaders Capitals.
The Blue Jackets average 3.15 goals per game this year (11th), while they allow 3.28 GPG (27th). Zach Werenski leads the team with 69 points (20 G and 49 A). Kirill Marchenko contributes 62 points (25 G and 37 A), while Kent Johnson has 45 points (21 G and 24 A).
Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Preview
The Pittsburgh Penguins (28-32-10, 34-36 ATS) managed to shake the rust off and bounce back from a tough stretch and four straight defeats in early March. The Penguins responded with four straight wins over the Wild, Golden Knights, Blues, and Devils, but they did lose the most recent game to the Islanders. Pittsburgh is 7th in the Metropolitan Division Standings with 66 points, five behind the Blue Jackets and 34 behind the top-placed Capitals.
The Penguins score 2.90 goals per game on average (19th), while they concede 3.56 GPG (31st). This season, Sidney Crosby leads the team with 74 points (24 G and 50 A). Rickard Rakell has 59 points (31 G and 28 A), while Bryan Rust chips in with 49 points (22 G and 27 A).
Why the Penguins will beat the Blue Jackets
- The Blue Jackets have lost 18 of their last 19 night games at PPG Paints Arena.
- The Penguins have won each of their last five home games against the Blue Jackets following a home loss.
- The Blue Jackets have failed to cover the puck line in 12 of their last 13 night games on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- The Penguins have covered the puck line in four of their last five games.
- The Blue Jackets have lost the third period in each of their last four games at PPG Paints Arena when leading after the second period.
Total Goals Facts
- Seven of the Penguins’ last eight games at PPG Paints Arena following a loss have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Four of the Blue Jackets’ last five road games have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Four of the last five night games between two teams from the Metropolitan Division have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Penguins’ last four games against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Blue Jackets’ last three road games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Pittsburgh Penguins rank 30th in the league in save percentage this season (.883).
- The Pittsburgh Penguins rank 29th in the league for shots against per game this season (30.4).
- The Columbus Blue Jackets rank 30th in the league for Period 2 goals allowed per game this season (1.29).
- The Columbus Blue Jackets rank T27th in the league for power-play goals this season (30).
Blue Jackets vs Penguins Prediction
The Penguins won six of the previous ten H2H encounters, but the Blue Jackets were victorious in the last three, including two duels this season. Columbus won 6-2 and 4-3, respectively, but considering their current form and the fact that they played last night, I don’t think the Blue Jackets will sweep the Penguins this season. Pittsburgh is playing better now compared to a couple of weeks ago and will be more rested for this game, so I am backing the Penguins to come away with a victory. The Blue Jackets are struggling in front of the goal lately, and although the Penguins have one of the weakest defenses in the NHL, I am backing the hosts to score a goal more and secure a W.