Pittsburgh Penguins vs Columbus Blue Jackets Picks and Predictions March 21st 2025

Blue Jackets Aim to End Skid Against Reeling Penguins

The Columbus Blue Jackets will try to rediscover their scoring touch and keep pace in the Eastern Conference wild-card race when they visit the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday night.

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Blue Jackets Offense Goes Missing

Columbus (31-28-9, 71 points) enters the matchup riding a five-game losing streak and has scored just one goal over its past four contests. Despite the slump, the Blue Jackets managed to collect a point in a 1-0 overtime loss to the Florida Panthers on Thursday. It was a rare bright spot in a frustrating stretch, and the team is hopeful that the positive effort will translate into results in Pittsburgh.

Coach Dean Evason praised the team’s compete level against Florida, emphasizing that the group did “the right things” despite not being rewarded. Captain Boone Jenner echoed the sentiment, highlighting the club’s strong structure and readiness.

However, the lack of finish continues to plague a Columbus team that needs wins to stay in playoff contention. Sitting just three points back of the Montreal Canadiens for the final wild-card spot, the Blue Jackets must find offense quickly — especially with Kirill Marchenko, Johnny Gaudreau, and Adam Fantilli struggling to convert recent chances.

Penguins Falter After Blowing Lead

The Penguins (28-32-10, 66 points) saw their four-game winning streak snapped in painful fashion on Tuesday in a 4-2 loss to the New York Islanders. Pittsburgh led 2-0 after two periods before surrendering four unanswered goals in the third.

Coach Mike Sullivan lamented the lack of physicality and discipline as the Islanders stormed back, while captain Sidney Crosby admitted the team “beat themselves” by failing to push back.

Despite long playoff odds — eight points back of the final wild-card spot with 12 games to play — the Penguins remain mathematically alive. A win over Columbus would offer a faint glimmer of hope, especially with Crosby continuing to produce. The veteran superstar recorded his 1,670th career point Tuesday, passing Wayne Gretzky for fourth-most points with a single franchise. He also brings an 11-game home point streak into the contest.

Forward Joona Koppanen scored his first NHL goal in the loss, providing a rare highlight in what’s been a rocky season in Pittsburgh.

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