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The Pittsburgh Penguins (2-2-0) and Columbus Blue Jackets (1-1-0) will meet in the NHL tonight. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. EDT at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Fla. The game will broadcast live on ESPN+.
The Blue Jackets are favored at -118 on the moneyline, with the Penguins -102 to pull off the upset. The over/under is set at 6.5 (-115o / -105u).
Let's get into our Penguins vs. Blue Jackets predictions and NHL picks.
Penguins vs. Blue Jackets Prediction
- Pick: Penguins ML (+105)
Our Pittsburgh vs. Columbus best bet is on the Penguins moneyline, with the best odds currently available at BetMGM. For all of your NHL bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NHL odds page.
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Penguins vs Blue Jackets Odds
- Penguins vs. Blue Jackets puck line: Penguins +1.5 (-235), Blue Jackets -1.5 (+195)
- Penguins vs. Blue Jackets over/under: 6.5 (-115o / -105u)
- Penguins vs. Blue Jackets moneyline: Penguins -102, Blue Jackets -118
Penguins vs. Blue Jackets Preview
The Penguins have lost two in a row: 3-2 vs. the Jets and 5-3 at the Capitals. They'll look to get back on track on the road against the Blue Jackets.
So far, Pittsburgh has been able to put the puck in the net, ranking 3rd in goals per game. They're also tied for 3rd in shots on goal and tied for 7th in power-play percentage. Looking at the advanced metrics, the Penguins are 7th in Expected Goals per game.
This is despite Sidney Crosby only having two points in four games. Pittsburgh has gotten contributions from up and down their roster, including Thomas Novak (5 points in 4 games) and Declan Carlile (4 points in 4 games).
Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets are on five days' rest, having not played since last Saturday, when they lost 4-1 to the Mammoth.
Columbus is currently 32nd in Expected Goals per game and 26th in Shot Attempts%. They've struggled on the penalty kill, tied for 25th in that category. That's bad news against a Penguins power play that has been effective so far this season.
I'm going with the Penguins moneyline because I think we'll see some rust from the Blue Jackets after such a long layoff.
Pittsburgh has looked like the better team so far, so I like getting them at plus money.
Best Bet: Penguins ML (+105)
