The Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets meet Tuesday in NHL action at Nationwide Arena. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.
Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Preview
The Pittsburgh Penguins look to build on their 4-game winning streak. The Penguins have won 3 straight road games. The Pittsburgh Penguins are averaging 3.54 goals per game and are scoring on 18.4 percent of their power play opportunities. Evgeni Malkin leads Pittsburgh with 8 goals, Jake Guentzel has 11 assists, and Sidney Crosby has 51 shots on goal. Defensively, the Pittsburgh Penguins are allowing 2.62 goals per game and are killing 83.3 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Tristan Jarry has allowed 20 goals on 250 shots faced, and Alex Nedelijkovic has given up 6 goals on 70 shots.
Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Preview
The Columbus Blue Jackets look to snap a 5-game losing streak. The Blue Jackets have lost 5 of their last 8 home games. The Columbus Blue Jackets are averaging 2.73 goals per game and are scoring on 13 percent of their power play opportunities. Boone Jenner leads Columbus with 7 goals, Ivan Provorov has 9 assists and Kirill Marchenko has 37 shots on goal. Defensively, the Columbus Blue Jackets are allowing 3.47 goals per game and are killing 89.1 percent of their opponent’s power plays. Spencer Martin has allowed 20 goals on 210 shots faced, and Elvis Merzlikins has given up 28 goals on 282 shots.
Randy’s Pick
This feels like a matchup between two teams that are heading in different directions. The Pittsburgh Penguins have broken out of their funk with 4 straight wins, while the Columbus Blue Jackets can't string together consistent offense and have lost 5 straight games. Playing at home hasn't helped the Blue Jackets all that much, either. The Penguins should get another victory, and I'll lay the PL for max betting value.
