Penguins vs Blue Jackets: A Middle of the Road Metropolitan Matchup

The Pittsburgh Penguins are sitting in third place in the Metropolitan Division. After winning four games in a row after the All-Star break, things have turned bad for the Penguins, losing their next three. Let’s see what they got for this Penguins vs Blue Jackets game.

The Blue Jackets have been on a tear since the return from the All-Star break. They are 7-1 in their last eight. They have outscored their opponents 41-23 during this timespan.

This Penguins vs Blue Jackets will be the second time these two teams will have played this season. In the first meeting, Pittsburgh made quick work of the Blue Jackets and won, 5-2.

Pittsburgh is the moneyline favorite for most sportsbooks, and rightfully so. They have better-skilled players as well as goaltenders.

It has been a rough go this last week for the Penguins. Losing to a team like the New Jersey Devils on Thursday was not something that they are used to.

Not only did the Devils beat the Penguins, but they also blew them out. The Devils beat the Penguins by a score of 6-1.

The offense was not a problem for the Penguins for most of the season, averaging 3.25 goals per game. In their last five games, however, they are averaging just 2.6 goals per game.

In their last five road games, they have been better. They are averaging 3.2 goals in their last five road games.

The Penguins are down to three players on their injured reserve list. Of those three players, none of them are anything but role players or backups.

Jake Guentzel has been the offensive leader for the Penguins. He is leading the team with 52 total points, scoring 25 goals, and assisting on 27 others.

Sidney Crosby is chasing Guentzel for the lead, as he is up to 48 points. He has recorded at least a point in nine of their last 10 games.

Tristan Jarry has been great for the Penguins at goaltender. He has a record of 25-11-2 and is giving up 2.38 goals per game.

The Blue Jackets have come out exceptionally strong since returning from the All-Star break. They are taking down top teams as well, like they did Thursday night, defeating the Florida Panthers. 

Both teams scored in the first period, and Columbus scored a lone goal in the second, making it 2-1 heading into the third. The Blue Jackets scored four goals in the third period and went on to win 6-3.

The Blue Jackets’ offense has really come to life. They have taken their goals per game average all the way up to 3.33 and cracked the top 10.

In their last five games, they are averaging 5.2 goals per game. In their last five home games, they are averaging 5.2 goals per game.

The Blue Jackets have added Zach Werenski to their already dense injury report. The defenseman has 33 points on the season and is now day-to-day with an upper-body injury.

Boone Jenner is the only player who has made it over 40 points for Columbus. He has scored 22 goals and assisted on 19 others. 

With Elvis Merzlikins out at goaltender for Columbus, J-F Berube has started three games as the netminder. Berube is 3-0 and is giving up 2.99 goals per game.

It is clear that Pittsburgh is the better team in this Penguins vs Blue Jacketsgame. While Berube has been playing well for the Blue Jackets, teams are starting to get more film on him and his weaknesses.Let’s see

When making your NHL picks, take the Pittsburgh Penguins moneyline.