Pittsburgh Penguins vs Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction 1-7-25 NHL Picks

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In this article we will formulate a Pittsburgh Penguins vs Columbus Blue Jackets prediction for this NHL game on Tuesday, January 7th 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 17-17-7 this year after they lost to Carolina in overtime by a score of 4-3 in their last game. Pittsburgh led 2-0 after the first period, but needed a third period goal just to tie the game, before losing in overtime. The Penguins were out shot by a total of 31-19, won 43.9% of the face-offs, and went 0-3 on the power play in the game. Pittsburgh got goals from Bunting, Hayes, and Karlsson, while Nedeljkovic stopped 27 out of 31 shots in the game.

Prior to that loss, the Penguins lost to the Panthers by a score of 3-2 and the Red Wings by a score of 4-2. Pittsburgh has lost three games in a row and five of their last seven, and they are currently fourth in the Metro standings with 41 points. Pittsburgh has scored 3.02 goals per game and they have allowed 3.63 goals against per game, while also going 25.6% on the power play and 81.7% on the penalty kill this season. Sidney Crosby has led Pittsburgh with 11 goals, 31 assists, and 121 shots on goal, while Rickard Rakell has added 18 goals, 15 assists, and 98 shots on goal. Tristan Jarry is 8-6-3 with a 3.47 goals against average and an .888 save percentage this year.

Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Preview

The Columbus Blue Jackets are 17-17-6 this season after they defeated St. Louis by a score of 6-4 in their last game. Columbus led 3-0 in the third period, but it was a crazy final 20 minutes and they needed an empty net goal to seal the win. The Blue Jackets out shot St. Louis by a total of 39-33, won 44.6% of the face-offs, and went 1-2 on the power play in the game. Columbus got goals from Fantilli, Marchenko, Olivier, Pyyhtia, and Voronkov (2), while Merzlikins stopped 29 out of 33 shots in the win.

Prior to that game, the Blue Jackets lost to the Red Wings by a score of 5-4, but did beat the Hurricanes by a score of 4-3 before that. Columbus has won four of their last six games and they are currently fifth in the Metro standings with 40 points. Columbus has scored 3.38 goals per game and they have allowed 3.63 goals against per game, while also going 22.4% on the power play and 73.5% on the penalty kill this season. Zach Werenski led Columbus with 12 goals, 33 assists, and 160 shots on goal, while Kirill Marchenko added 17 goals, 26 assists, and 119 shots on goal this year. Elvis Merzlikins is 13-10-3 with a 3.18 goals against average and an .888 save percentage this season.

Why the Penguins will beat the Blue Jackets

The Blue Jackets have lost each of their last 18 games at PPG Paints Arena.
The Penguins have won 19 of their last 20 home games against the Blue Jackets.
The Penguins have covered the puck line in seven of their last eight games at PPG Paints Arena.
The Blue Jackets have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last five games at PPG Paints Arena against opponents on a losing streak.
The Blue Jackets have lost the third period in each of their last seven road games against Metropolitan Division opponents.

Total Goals Facts

Seven of the last eight games between two teams from the Metropolitan Division have gone OVER the total goals line.
Each of the Penguins’ last five home games after coming off overtime have gone UNDER the total goals line.
Six of the Blue Jackets’ last seven games have gone OVER the total goals line.
The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Blue Jackets’ last 13 games against opponents on a losing streak.
The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Penguins’ last four games as favorites.

Pittsburgh Penguins Player Prop Facts

Sidney Crosby has scored at least one goal in seven of the Penguins’ last eight games as home favorites.
Bryan Rust has recorded at least one point in each of his last 11 appearances with the Penguins as home favorites.
Sidney Crosby has recorded at least one assist in each of the Penguins’ last six home games against Eastern Conference opponents.

Columbus Blue Jackets Player Prop Facts

Mathieu Olivier has scored a goal in each of the Blue Jackets’ last three games against the Penguins.
Kirill Marchenko has recorded at least one point in each of his last nine Tuesday appearances against Eastern Conference opponents.
Dmitri Voronkov has recorded at least one assist in five of the Blue Jackets’ last six games as underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents.