The Pittsburgh Penguins host the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday night, the only NHL game of the evening. The Blue Jackets have lost four games in a row heading into this matchup, and their playoff hopes are quickly evaporating. Historically, the Pittsburgh Penguins have dominated the Columbus Blue Jackets in recent seasons, winning 11 of their last 12 meetings starting in late 2019. However, the Blue Jackets have stormed back as of late, with three consecutive victories over their longtime rivals, including a perfect 2-0 record this season. In the past this has proven to be a one-sided matchup for your NHL predictions, but can Columbus snap its current skid and extend its recent success against Pittsburgh? Let’s take a look at the expert NHL predictions to find out.
Matchup: Blue Jackets vs Penguins Overview
- Teams: Columbus Blue Jackets at Pittsburgh Penguins
- Date: Friday, March 21st, 2025
- Time: Puck drop is at 7:00 PM EST
- Venue: PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Win Probabilities:
The NHL win probabilities align closely with the NHL odds, giving the Columbus Blue Jackets a 47.79% chance to win. Meanwhile, the Penguins, who have a home-ice advantage, have been given a slightly higher chance to win this game. Based on the win probabilities, the Penguins have been given a 52.21% chance to win this Metropolitan Division showdown.
Projected Final Score:
The Columbus Blue Jackets are the underdogs in this matchup and are expected to struggle to get going on the road. The projected final score for this Blue Jackets vs Penguins matchup is Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2 Columbus Blue Jackets.
Blue Jackets vs Penguins Odds
The Columbus Blue Jackets are coming in as road underdogs against the Pittsburgh Penguins. While Columbus remains in the hunt for a playoff spot, Pittsburgh appears to have all but conceded its postseason hopes. However, the Blue Jackets’ poor form, combined with the Penguins’ strong home ice play, has given Pittsburgh the edge in the NHL odds.
For total goals, neither team is particularly strong defensively, and the -150 line on the over 5.5 goals reflects that reality.
| Columbus Blue Jackets | Pittsburgh Penguins | |
| Moneyline | +115 | -160 |
| Puck Line | +1.5 (-220) | -1.5 (+154) |
| Total Goals | Over 5.5 Goals (-150) | Under 5.5 Goals (+110) |
Expert Prediction: Who Wins?
Why the Columbus Blue Jackets Could Win
The Blue Jackets have lost four straight, and desperation is starting to set in. Their Cinderella story appears headed for a disappointing ending, as their lack of defensive play has cost them valuable points. However, Columbus is getting healthier and still has games in hand to make a late push up the standings.
The Blue Jackets have already beaten Pittsburgh twice this season by a combined score of 10-5. The Penguins have struggled with goaltending all year, and Columbus’ forwards will be eager to test Alex Nedeljkovic. All three Pittsburgh goalies have save percentages below .900, and Zach Werenski will look to strengthen his Norris Trophy bid with more assists from the blue line. His 69 points lead the team, while Kirill Marchenko, despite breaking his jaw last month, has paced the team with 25 goals this season.
Why the Pittsburgh Penguins Could Win
The Penguins have quickly slipped out of contention, and a playoff berth seems almost impossible at this point. Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang have had legendary careers in Pittsburgh, but the greatest trio in hockey history is in the twilight of their NHL journey. Although Erik Karlsson has struggled to make an impact on the Penguins’ blue line, the team’s star power remains undeniable. Crosby recently led Canada to a stunning Four Nations victory, while Malkin has been a steady presence with 44 points in 60 games.
Pittsburgh is fully aware of its recent struggles against Columbus and will look to capitalize on the Blue Jackets’ recent skid down the standings. The Penguins will need to feed off the energy of their home crowd to pick up this win. It’s been a disappointing season, but they are 17-19 at home compared to 11-23 on the road. Columbus has an even more drastic home/away split, going 20-13 at home but just 11-23 on the road. The Blue Jackets have struggled to find their footing away from home, and an early goal for Pittsburgh could ignite the crowd.
The Penguins haven’t been swept by Columbus since 2006, when they lost their only meeting that season, and they’ll be determined to keep that streak intact.
How to Make Columbus Blue Jackets vs Pittsburgh Penguins Picks
There is no doubt about where you should make your Columbus Blue Jackets vs Pittsburgh Penguins picks, and that is Sportzino. Sportzino offers the best NHL odds for every game this season, including this critical Eastern Conference showdown.
Not only can you make free NHL predictions on the game’s outcome, but you can also place picks on the puck line, total goals, and a wide variety of player props. Make sure to appreciate every moment Crosby, Malkin, and Letang share the ice together, as it won’t last much longer. Be sure to lock in your predictions before the puck drops.
