Columbus (31-28-9) at Pittsburgh (28-32-10)
- When: Mar 21 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- TV: SportsNet PT
Blue Jackets vs. Penguins Betting Breakdown & Prediction
Moneyline Favorite: Pittsburgh -138
Total: 6.5
Columbus Blue Jackets Outlook
The Blue Jackets enter Friday’s matchup in desperation mode, losers of five straight and clinging to slim playoff hopes. Columbus (31-28-9) is just three points out of the second Eastern Conference wild card, but they’ve completely lost their scoring touch — registering only one goal over their last four games.
Despite a gritty effort in Thursday’s 1-0 overtime loss to the Panthers, the Blue Jackets once again came up empty in the win column. Kirill Marchenko’s costly delay-of-game penalty set up Florida’s winner, and Columbus now faces the second leg of a back-to-back on the road.
Coach Dean Evason remains optimistic, pointing to their improved defensive structure, but this offense is ice cold. Boone Jenner acknowledged the team’s urgency but also the lack of finishing. Columbus needs more than moral victories at this point, and back-to-back games offer little breathing room for a turnaround.
Trend: Columbus has lost 7 of its last 9 overall, and five of its last six road games.
Pittsburgh Penguins Overview
The Penguins (28-32-10) are clinging to faint playoff dreams, eight points out of a spot with just 12 games left. That makes every game must-win territory — and Tuesday’s 4-2 collapse against the Islanders was a gut punch.
Blowing a 2-0 lead on home ice was something captain Sidney Crosby didn’t sugarcoat, calling out the team’s lack of pushback. Coach Mike Sullivan echoed those concerns, ripping the team’s lack of defensive effort and physicality.
Still, Pittsburgh has been a different team at home, and Crosby remains red-hot, extending his home point streak to 11 games. With Columbus reeling offensively, this is a prime opportunity for the Pens to get back in the win column.
Trends:
Pittsburgh is 11-1 in its last 12 home games vs. Columbus.
The Penguins are 4-1 in their last five games following a loss.
Betting Prediction
Pittsburgh has been far more reliable at home and historically dominates the Blue Jackets at PPG Paints Arena. With Columbus struggling to find the back of the net and facing fatigue from a back-to-back, the edge goes to the home team.
Expect the Penguins to control possession, limit Columbus’ chances, and grind out a low-scoring win.
Final Score Prediction:
Penguins 3, Blue Jackets 2
Best Bet: Penguins Moneyline (-138)
Lean: Under 6.5 (-120)
This is a must-win game for Pittsburgh, and they should deliver against a tired, offensively anemic Columbus squad.
- NHL Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
