Pittsburgh Penguins vs Columbus Blue Jackets NHL Lines Analysis
When: Friday, March 11 at 7 PM EST Where: Nationwide Arena, Columbus TV: ROOT and FSOH Radio: WXDS and WBNS Live Stream: NHL Stream NHL Odds: TBAWhy bet on the Pittsburgh Penguins
The Penguins (34-24-8) have done a great job of turning their season around, but they have to be careful not to let things slide again heading into the final few weeks. They have lost 3 of their last 5 games, and while they are still in possession of the first Wild Card spot, things are beginning to get a little tighter there than they would like them to be, with Detroit and Philadelphia both breathing down their neck. There have been some signs that the offense is slipping back into early season form, which is not a good thing, but when the Pens win, it is more often than not the offense that gets the job done. In short, they are inconsistent, but are going up against a Columbus team that is leaking goals this season. The Pens are averaging 2.7 GPG, and are giving up 2.5 GPG.Why bet on the Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets (28-31-8) may not be sitting very pretty in the standings right now, but it’s easy to forget that this is a team that opened the season with 8 straight losses. Yes, they may be in the cellar in the Metropolitan Division right now, but they have done a decent job of righting their ship. The Jackets have been able to take their home record to 3 games above .500, and have taken 2 of 3 overall from the Penguins this season. They are on a decent run of form, having gone 5-3-2 in their last 10 games, and they are by no means going to roll over and play dead against their division rival. Columbus are averaging 2.6 GPG, and are giving up 3.0 GPG.Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction
As much as I think this one could go either way, I have trouble believing that the Columbus D can hold off Crosby, Malkin, and the rest of the Penguins offense. I think this will be a vital win for Pittsburgh.Pittsburgh Penguins 4 Columbus Blue Jackets 2
