In this article we will formulate a Penguins vs Blue Jackets prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, October 25th at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Preview
The Pittsburgh Penguins are 6-2-0 this season after they defeated Florida by a score of 5-3 in their last game. Pittsburgh led 3-1 heading into the third and was able to hold on for the win, despite allowing two goals in the final period. The Penguins were out shot by a total of 37-17, won 53% of the face-offs, and went 2-2 on the power play in the game. Pittsburgh got goals from Crosby (2), Dewar, Kindel, and Rakell, while Jarry stopped 34 out of 37 shots, which was a .919 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Pittsburgh defeated the Canucks by a score of 5-1 and the Sharks by a score of 3-0. The Penguins have won four games in a row and they are currently tied for second in the Metro standings with 12 points. Pittsburgh has scored 3.50 goals per game and they have allowed 2.38 goals against per game, while also going 33.3% on the power play and 76% on the penalty kill this season. Evgeni Malkin has led Pittsburgh with two goals and 10 assists, while Sidney Crosby has added six goals and five assists. The projected starting goalie for Pittsburgh is Arturs Silovs, who is 3-1-0 with a 2.26 goals against average and a .919 save percentage this season.
Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Preview
The Columbus Blue Jackets are 3-4-0 this year after they lost to Washington by a score of 5-1 in their last game. Columbus cut the deficit to 3-1 in the third period, but they allowed the last two goals in the lopsided loss. The Blue Jackets out shot Washington by a total of 35-30, won 46.8% of the face-offs, and went 0-3 on the power play in the game. Columbus got their lone goal from Mateychuk, while Greaves stopped 25 out of 30 shots, which was an .833 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Columbus defeated the Stars by a score of 5-1 and the Lightning by a score of 3-2. The Blue Jackets have won two of their last three games and they are currently last in the Metro standings with six points. Columbus has scored 3.17 goals per game and they have allowed 2.67 goals against per game, while also going 20% on the power play and 60% on the penalty kill this season. Dmitri Voronkov and Kirill Marchenko have led Columbus with seven points each, while Boone Jenner has added six points. The projected starting goalie for Columbus is Elvis Merzlikins, who is 2-1-0 with a 2.69 goals against average and a .927 save percentage this year.
Why the Pittsburgh Penguins will win
- The Penguins have won 19 of their last 20 home games against the Blue Jackets.
- The Blue Jackets have lost each of their last 10 games as underdogs following a home loss.
- The Blue Jackets have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last six games on the second leg of a back-to-back against the Penguins.
- The Penguins have covered the puck line in 10 of their last 11 night games.
- The Penguins have won the second period in each of their last four games
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Penguins’ last nine home games against Metropolitan Division opponents have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Seven of the Blue Jackets’ last eight road games have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Blue Jackets’ last six games as underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in five of the Penguins’ last six home games against Metropolitan Division opponents.
Pittsburgh Penguins Player Prop Facts
- Sidney Crosby has scored a goal in seven of the Penguins’ last eight night games at PPG Paints Arena.
- Evgeni Malkin has recorded at least one point in 15 of his last 16 home appearances against the Blue Jackets.
- Sidney Crosby has recorded at least one assist in each of the Penguins’ last seven games as favorites against Metropolitan Division opponents.
Columbus Blue Jackets Player Prop Facts
- Adam Fantilli has scored at least one goal in four of the Blue Jackets’ last five road games.
- Sean Monahan has recorded at least one point in eight of his last nine appearances against Metropolitan Division opponents.
- Sean Monahan has recorded at least one assist in eight of his last nine appearances against Metropolitan Division opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Pittsburgh Penguins rank 1st in the league in power play percentage this season (33.33%).
- The Pittsburgh Penguins rank T4th in the league for goals against per game this season (2.38).
- The Columbus Blue Jackets rank 32nd in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (60.00%).
- The Columbus Blue Jackets rank T1st in the league in short handed goals allowed this season (0).
Penguins vs Blue Jackets Prediction
Pittsburgh comes into this matchup with the home ice advantage and they have won four games in a row. The Penguins are 2-1-0 at home this year, while the Blue Jackets are 2-1-0 on the road. Columbus has won two of their last three games, but their penalty kill has been one of the worst in the NHL. The Blue Jackets are also on a back to back and will have to play a very high scoring Pittsburgh offense, so I like the Penguins to get another win here.