Pittsburgh vs Columbus Prediction 21 March 2025
🔊 Will the Penguins extend the visitors' losing streak? Pittsburgh only have a mathematical chance of continuing their fight for the Stanley Cup. However, the lack of motivation has seemingly fueled the team, as they have started consistently picking up points. Columbus have suffered four consecutive defeats and are gradually slipping away from the top 8 in the Eastern Conference.
Head-to-Head
In the current regular season, the opponents have met twice, with the Blue Jackets coming out on top both times (6-2, 4-3 OT). Forward Dmitry Voronkov made the biggest impact for his team, scoring three goals. The Russian is having his best season overseas, having already tallied 42 points in 58 games.
Head-to-head statistics Pittsburgh - Columbus
Pittsburgh Penguins Team Overview
Mike Sullivan's squad said goodbye to their Stanley Cup hopes back in February after suffering 8 losses in 9 games. However, it seems the players have found their groove, winning 4 of their last 5 matchups. They've defeated opponents who are desperate for points, including St. Louis (5-3) and New Jersey (7-3). Yet, in their last outing, the Penguins fell to the Islanders (2-4). Throughout the season, the team has struggled with a lack of speed, a problem the management has yet to address.
Match Results: Pittsburgh Penguins
Columbus Blue Jackets Team Overview
At a crucial point in the season, Dean Evason's team hit a rough patch, losing 6 of their last 7 games. They struggled particularly against direct rivals, the New Jersey Devils, suffering defeats of 3-5 and 1-2. This likely highlights the players' lack of experience in high-stakes matches. Columbus have not been in the playoff hunt for many years, let alone contending for the Stanley Cup. Now, their chances of finishing the regular season with a positive win-loss record appear slim once again.
Match Results: Columbus Blue Jackets
📌 Projected Lineups
Pittsburgh: Jarry - Letang, Kolyachonok - Rust, Crosby, Rakell
Columbus: Greaves - Fabbro, Werenski - Marchenko, Voronkov, Chinakhov
🥅 Goalkeepers
Pittsburgh's goaltender Tristan Jarry has returned to the lineup after a lengthy stint in the minors. It seems this period has benefited the Canadian netminder. In his last five games, he has maintained a save percentage above 90% in all but one and secured four victories.
Columbus' goalie Jet Greaves made his first appearance in the lineup in quite some time. The coaching staff is hoping this move will halt the team's slide down the standings. Greaves managed to stop 90% of the shots against New Jersey, but unfortunately, the skaters in front of him couldn't provide the necessary support.
Editor's Prediction
The home team, unlike their opponents, have lost any chance of making the playoffs. However, they are still considered the favorites in this matchup as the visitors are in notably poor form. For the past 19 head-to-head meetings in Pennsylvania, the Jackets have failed to win in regulation time, and this trend is likely to continue. Dean Evason's squad appears quite weak at the moment. Our bet is on Pittsburgh not losing.
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Betting Tips: Pittsburgh Penguins - Columbus Blue Jackets
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