The Columbus Blue Jackets (8-13-2) head to take on the Pittsburgh Penguins (13-8-4) at PPG Paints Arena on Tuesday. Columbus is coming off a 4-2 loss against the Red Wings on Sunday. The Blue Jackets committed five penalties in the game, conceding two power play goals. Marcus Bjork and Kent Johnson each scored once for the Blue Jackets.
Boone Jenner had two assists to lead the team in scoring. Joonas Korpisalo saved only 31 of 35 shots against (.885%) in the loss. Pittsburgh is wrapping up a five-game homestand after an exciting 6-2 win over the Blues on Saturday.
Kasperi Kapanen scored a hat trick to lead the Penguins. Bryan Rust had a goal and three assists to lead the team in scoring. Tristan Jarry saved 26 of 28 shots in the win (.928%).
HEAD TO HEAD
The Penguins won the first meeting between the teams this season, a 6-3 victory in October, their sixth straight win against Columbus. Sidney Crosby led Pittsburgh with three points (1G 2A). Jack Roslovic led Columbus with two points (1G 1A). Jarry got the win, saving 29 of 32 shots (.906%).
FACING OFF
Columbus is averaging 2.87 goals per game for the season, 24th in the NHL, and they are taking on a Penguins team that is allowing 3.08 goals a game (14th). Meanwhile, Pittsburgh has found the net 3.36 times a game on average, 11th in the league, and the Blue Jackets are allowing opponents to score 3.96 goals per game (31st).
The Blue Jackets’ 16.07% power play percentage is the third-lowest in the league, while the Penguins rank 24th with a conversion rate of 18.99%. When it comes to penalty killing, Pittsburgh has the league’s ninth-ranked PK% at 80.26%, while Columbus is 20th at 77.78%.
TOP PERFORMERS:
With 26 points this season, Johnny Gaudreau is the top skater for the Blue Jackets. He has eight goals and 18 assists in 23 games. In the net, Korpisalo (4-4-1) is Columbus’ top goaltender by goals against average. He has a 3.43 GAA and a .908% save percentage.
Crosby leads the Penguins in scoring with 32 points (7th in the league). He has 12 goals and 20 assists (10th) in 24 games. Jarry (10-3-3) has the best goals against average for Pittsburgh at 2.86. He has a save percentage of .915%.
HOME AND AWAY
Columbus is 2-4-1 away from Nationwide Arena this season. Pittsburgh is 6-3-2 at home this season.
SportsTips’ NHL Pick:
Over 6.5 (-130)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
