On Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Penguins play the Columbus Blue Jackets, another Metro Division opponent. Tonight, they will have another chance to reverse their misfortunes against division rivals this season.
Thus far in 2024-25, the Pittsburgh Penguins are 3-7-2 against Metropolitan Division opponents, with the Columbus Blue Jackets in town on Tuesday night.
In the season's only meeting, the Blue Jackets defeated the Penguins 6-2 at Nationwide Arena on Nov. 15.
It's a curious case of misfortunes in one year. Pittsburgh was pretty successful against the Metro last year, compiling a 13-8-4 record and earning a losing record against only the New Jersey Devils (1-2-0) and the New York Rangers (1-2-0).
Moreover, they produced a goal differential of plus-10, only getting outscored by the aforementioned Devils and Rangers. Meanwhile, the Penguins collected 31 points against their division rivals, accounting for 35.2% of their final total of 88.
With a 3-7-2 record in 12 Metro games this year, the Penguins almost have to run the table in their final 14 meetings, starting tonight with the Blue Jackets, to get within striking distance of their 2023-24 successes.
Ultimately, suppose Pittsburgh wants to remain in the wildcard race and be one of the top contending teams for either wildcard spot. In that case, they must reverse their recent fortunes, starting with their minus-20 goal differential within the division.
Although the Blue Jackets and the Washington Capitals are the only Metro Division opponents left on the Penguins' January schedule, their February and March calendars are filled with the same opponents, which may or may not break their season.
