Columbus Blue Jackets vs Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Pick & Prediction 1/7/25

Don’t miss out on the NHL showdown between the Blue Jackets and Penguins. The game is starting at 7:00 ET on ESPN+, and it’s hosted by the Penguins at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, PA. Get ready to place your bets! The over/under for this game is set at 6.5 goals, and the Penguins are favored by -1.5 against the Blue Jackets in a Metropolitan division matchup.

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS VS PITTSBURGH PENGUINS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Pittsburgh Penguins -1.5

This game will be played at PPG Paints Arena at 7:00 ET on Tuesday, January 7th.

WHY BET THE PITTSBURGH PENGUINS:

• With the Penguins being favored by 1.5, our NHL analytics models has this one playing out 4-3 in favor of the Penguins.
• Take the Penguins on the moneyline
• On the spread, we like Blue Jackets (+1.5)

Will the Blue Jackets Come Through as Road Underdogs?

Columbus fell to 17-17-6 after a 7-2 road loss to the Capitals. The Blue Jackets entered the game as underdogs on the puck line, and the total of 9 goals surpassed the pre-game line of 6.5.

The Blue Jackets’ defense struggled early, giving up their first goal just 56 seconds into the game. By the end of the first period, they were down 5-0, making it difficult to mount any sort of comeback.

Columbus took 36 shots on goal but only managed to score twice in their 7-2 loss to Washington. Damon Severson netted his 4th goal of the season, while Kevin Labanc added his 2nd. The Blue Jackets were held scoreless in the first period before Severson scored 49 seconds into the second.

Columbus recorded 13 giveaways and failed to capitalize on any power play opportunities. Sean Monahan picked up his 5th assist of the season, and Zach Aston-Reese added his 2nd. Adam Fantilli also contributed with his 4th assist.

Columbus will need to improve defensively after giving up 7 goals to Washington in their last game. Goalie Daniil Tarasov made 15 saves with a 68.2% save percentage, and the Blue Jackets’ defense recorded 10 takeaways and 17 hits. Columbus allowed the first 5 goals of the game, including one just 56 seconds into the first period. They also gave up another goal late in the 3rd period.

Will Pittsburgh Make it Happen at Home?

With a 3-1 win over the Canadiens, the Penguins moved closer to .500, now sitting at 17-18-7. Pittsburgh covered the puck line as -1.5 goal favorites, and the total of 4 goals fell short of the pre-game line of 6.5.

Sidney Crosby led the way with two goals, while Blake Lizotte added an empty-netter to seal the victory. The Penguins kept the Canadiens scoreless until the third period, when Montreal cut the deficit to 2-1.

Sidney Crosby found the net twice for the Penguins in their 3-1 win over the Canadiens, bringing his season goal total to 5. He scored Pittsburgh’s first goal, followed by a power-play goal in the second period. Blake Lizotte added an empty-netter, his second goal of the season.

Pittsburgh took 24 shots on goal and recorded 14 giveaways. The Penguins scored in each period, with their first goal coming at 4:03 in the opening period.

Defensively, the Penguins will look to build on their last performance, where they allowed just 1 goal to Montreal. Alex Nedeljkovic made 25 saves, finishing with a 96.2% save percentage. The defense also contributed 5 takeaways, 19 hits, and 19 blocks.