The Columbus Blue Jackets are back home after playing their last home on November 1st and will play the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have lost six straight, and the Pittsburgh Penguins have lost four of five. Something has to give.
The Pens come into Columbus a NHL worst -22 in goal differential and losers in 4 of 5 games, so the CBJ must take advantage of Pittsburgh at home while they can. They've given up 69 goals on the season, which is also a league-worst.
They still have Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang, and Erik Karlsson, so no matter how bad the Pens could be doing, they always seem to have a chance against the Blue Jackets for some reason.
The Pens' power play is 18th in the NHL, while their PK is 11th. Compare that to the same 18.4% power play of Columbus, and the Jackets' 14th-rated PK and this might actually be a good game. The Blue Jackets play Pittsburgh tough at home as well.
The Blue Jackets have an advantage in goal if you can believe that. The CBJ pair has a combined save % of .880, while the Pens goalies sit at .860%. Tristan Jarry has a GAA of 5.47 in three games. Alex Nedeljkovic played in the Pens' last game against the Red Wings and took the loss.
The Pens are currently 6th in the Metro, 13th in the East, and 24th in the league.
Series History vs. The Penguins
- Columbus is 12-11-4 at home and 16-29-9 in all meetings.
- The Jackets are 2-3-1 in the last 6 and 9-7-1 in the last 17 at home.
Who To Watch For The Penguins
- Sidney Crosby has 6 goals and 17 points through 18 games.
- Evgeni Malkin has 5 goals and 18 points in 18 games.
- Tristan Jarry is 1-1 with a .836 save %.
- Alex Nedeljkovic is 2-3 with a .884 save %. He lost his last game vs. the Red Wings.
CBJ Player Notes vs. The Penguins
- Sean Monahan has 10 points in 22 games vs. the Pens.
- Damon Severson has 19 points in 43 games.
- Zach Werenski has 10 points in 18 games.
Injuries
- Boone Jenner (shoulder) is on Injured Reserve on Oct. 7; (15 Games)
- Erik Gudbranson (upper body) is on Injured Reserve on Oct. 16; (12 Games)
- Kent Johnson (upper body) is on Injured Reserve on Nov. 10; (11 Games)
TOTAL MAN GAMES LOST: 67
How to Watch & Listen: Tonight's game will be on FanDuel Sports Network. Steve Mears will be on the play-by-play. The radio broadcast will be on 93.3 THE BUS with Bob McElligott behind the mic doing the play-by-play.
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