NFL Show
The Columbus Blue Jackets face the Pittsburgh Penguins with both teams heading in opposite directions this season. The Blue Jackets have an 8-13-2 record and are in last place in the Metropolitan Division. The Penguins on the other hand are 13-8-4 and with seven wins in their last 10 games have made up ground within the division. Both teams are looking to improve in the division and the Eastern Conference and the upcoming game should be a good one as a result.
The Blue Jackets are having a difficult season with their offense struggling, scoring only 2.87 goals per game with only 11 goals in the last five games. Johnny Gaudreau, Boone Jenner, and Kent Johnson have scored 23 goals and 35 assists to lead the top two lines but the rest of the offense has struggled. Only four skaters have five goals or more while only six skaters have six assists or more and opposing defenses can limit the top-heavy offense as a result.
The offense has struggled but the defense is one of the worst in the NHL, allowing 3.96 goals per game. Vladislav Gavrikov and Andrew Peeke have combined for 1.6 defensive point shares but the rest of the defense has struggled, allowing opponents to generate shots on the net at will. In addition, goaltender Elvis Merzlikins has struggled in the net with a .864 save percentage and a 4.74 goals-against average on 265 shots.