Penguins vs Blue Jackets Betting Preview
Pittsburgh enters Friday with two wins in its last seven, but their 4-2 victory over Buffalo brought stability. Tristan Jarry returned after a seven-game absence and made 29 saves. His timing looked sharp. His movement stayed clean. His presence restored confidence in the crease.
The Penguins received goals from Connor Dewar, Kevin Hayes, Bryan Rust and Matt Dumba. Rust’s goal came 31 seconds after Buffalo tied the game. Their response created separation late. Their structure improved with Jarry anchoring the back end. Ryan Shea added two assists. Tristan Broz made his NHL debut. Ville Koivunen returned from injury.
Columbus brings urgency after a 2-1 overtime loss to Toronto. They lost third-period leads in two of their last three outings. Their effort remains strong, but their execution late in games continues slipping. Zach Werenski scored their lone goal Wednesday and had another disallowed due to an offside challenge.
Veteran defenseman Brendan Smith made his team debut and added physicality and bite. Dean Evason praised his aggression and leadership. Columbus continues searching for consistency on the back end.
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Line Movement and Odds
Blue Jackets -141, Penguins +120
Total: 6.5 (over +100, under -120)
Movement pointed toward Columbus due to home-ice advantage and Pittsburgh’s recent inconsistency.
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Columbus overview
Columbus continues generating volume. Their 36 shots against Toronto showed steady pressure. They rank fourth in the league in shots on goal. Adam Fantilli and Dmitri Voronkov hold nine goals each, and their forecheck produces extended zone time. Their issue remains closing games.
Werenski’s activation drives their transition. Their top pairing supports their pace through the neutral zone. Smith’s addition brings stability and heavier play around the crease. Columbus has performed well as a favorite but struggles as an underdog. Their structure improves at home.
They need to protect leads late, improve puck management on retrievals and support Elvis Merzlikins with cleaner lanes.
Pittsburgh overview
Pittsburgh’s identity stabilizes when Jarry plays. His presence allows their defense to activate. Their transition flows more efficiently. Their 4-2 win reflected a return to structure and pace. Rust, Hayes and Dumba contributed. Their depth created layers in the offensive zone.
Their record sits at 11-6-5. They rank second in the league in goals against. Their defensive detail remains strong when their forecheck connects and their zone exits stay clean. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin continue producing. Crosby has 13 goals. Malkin holds 18 assists. Their leadership drives key moments.
Pittsburgh needs a strong first period, improved puck pressure along the walls and sustained discipline against a Columbus team that thrives on volume.
Penguins
Noel Acciari — Out, upper body
Justin Brazeau — Out, upper body
Filip Hallander — Out, leg
Tanner Howe — Out, undisclosed
Caleb Jones — Out, lower body
Emil Pieniniemi — Out, suspension
Rickard Rakell — Out, hand
Jack St. Ivany — Out, lower body
Full roster details on the Pittsburgh Penguins page.
Blue Jackets
Erik Gudbranson — Out, upper body
Boone Jenner — Out, upper body
Kirill Marchenko — Questionable, undisclosed
Luca Marrelli — Out, shoulder
Mathieu Olivier — Questionable, upper body
Team overview available on the Columbus Blue Jackets page.
Penguins 14-3 ATS in all games
Penguins 8-2 ATS in last 10
Penguins 11-2 ATS as underdogs
Blue Jackets 4-0 SU as favorites
Blue Jackets 5-10 O/U this season
Blue Jackets 2-9 SU as underdogs
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Columbus creates strong shot volume, but Pittsburgh’s stability with Jarry and their defensive detail provide an edge. Their leadership core supports tighter execution in close games. Columbus remains competitive but struggles to maintain leads.
Projected score: Penguins 4, Blue Jackets 3
Best Bet: Penguins +120
Total Lean: Over 6.5
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