Columbus Blue Jackets vs Pittsburgh Penguins Picks and Predictions November 15th 2024

Blue Jackets, Penguins Searching for Positives Ahead of Clash

Two Metropolitan Division teams in desperate need of a spark, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets, will square off on Friday night in Columbus. Both teams have stumbled through the early stages of the season and are eager to find consistency as they look to climb the standings.

Blue Jackets: Searching for Stability

The Blue Jackets are enduring a difficult stretch, with an 0-5-1 winless streak that has left them tied for the fewest points (12) in the NHL. Tuesday’s 5-2 loss to the Seattle Kraken encapsulated their recent struggles. Despite leading 2-0 after the first period, Columbus conceded four second-period goals, unraveling any momentum they had built.

“It seems like for the last string of games, we’re just taking one period off,” said forward Zach Aston-Reese. “It’s just these one-period lapses where we give up like five or six odd-man rushes.”

Columbus has fared better at home, posting a 4-3-0 record at Nationwide Arena, compared to their dismal 1-5-2 road record. Returning to home ice might provide some relief, especially as they seek to end their lopsided history against Pittsburgh. The Penguins are 23-4-4 against the Blue Jackets since the 2015-16 season and hold an active 13-game points streak (11-0-2) in the rivalry.

Key Player

• Kirill Marchenko leads the Blue Jackets with 15 points (six goals, nine assists). His offensive contributions will be pivotal if Columbus hopes to snap their skid.

Goaltender Outlook

• With a back-to-back schedule that includes Saturday’s game in Montreal, Elvis Merzlikins and Daniil Tarasov are expected to split starts over the two games.

Penguins: Looking to Turn the Corner

The Penguins are also struggling, with a 1-2-2 record in their last five games. After enduring an 0-5-1 streak in October, Pittsburgh is slowly trying to steady the ship. Their most recent outing, a 3-2 overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings, provided some encouragement despite falling short.

“The way we responded (when) we went down two was a hell of a lot better than the way we responded the other night,” said forward Bryan Rust, referencing Monday’s 7-1 loss to Dallas. “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”

The Penguins are led by their longtime stars, with Evgeni Malkin (18 points) and Sidney Crosby (17 points) continuing to carry the load offensively. Crosby is also on the verge of a major milestone, just two goals away from becoming the 21st NHL player to reach 600 career goals.

Goaltender Outlook

• Pittsburgh’s goalie situation remains in flux. Tristan Jarry, just recalled from a conditioning stint in the AHL, could see action this weekend after struggling in his first three NHL starts this season (5.47 GAA). Alex Nedeljkovic may also get a start as the Penguins play the Sharks on Saturday.

Key Matchups and Factors to Watch

Crosby’s Quest for 600 Goals: With just two goals needed for the milestone, Crosby’s performance will be a focal point for the Penguins’ offense.

Marchenko’s Momentum: Columbus’ top scorer needs to generate opportunities and provide offensive consistency for his team.

Goaltending Battle: Both teams have struggled with stability in net, and the performance of their respective goalies could be the difference in this matchup.

Special Teams Impact: Columbus must avoid the second-period collapses and turnovers that have plagued them, while Pittsburgh will need to capitalize on any power-play opportunities.

Outlook

Both teams are eager to bounce back and secure a much-needed win. Columbus will hope the comfort of home ice can help end their six-game winless streak, while Pittsburgh aims to find consistency and take advantage of their dominance in this rivalry. With both teams also playing Saturday, managing energy and execution will be critical. Fans can expect a gritty battle as these division foes vie to shift their seasons in a positive direction.