The Columbus Blue Jackets face the Pittsburgh Penguins with both teams heading in opposite directions this season. The Blue Jackets have a 20-37-6 record and with back-to-back losses are in last place in the Eastern Conference. The Penguins have a 31-22-9 record and are in wild card position in the Eastern Conference. Both teams are looking to improve in the conference and the upcoming game looks to be a good one.
The Blue Jackets are having a season to forget with their offense struggling immensely, scoring only 2.57 goals per game. Johnny Gaudreau, Boone Jenner, and Patrik Laine have scored 53 goals and 80 assists but the rest of the offense has been awful. Only six active skaters have 10 goals or more and opposing defenses can eliminate the hapless offense as a result.
The offense has been awful but the defense has let them down, allowing 3.70 goals per game including nine goals in the last two games. Andrew Peeke and Erik Gudbranson have combined for 3.5 defensive point shares but the rest of the unit has struggled, allowing opponents to find open shots on the net at will. Moreover, with Vladislav Gavrikov and goaltender Joonas Korpisalo traded at the deadline, the defense looks poised to only worsen as the season progresses. Additionally, goaltender Elvis Merzlikins has struggled with a .879 sa ve percentage and a 4.15 goals-against average on 858 shots with -22.6 goals saved above average.
No House Advantage: Bet on player over/unders VS THE HOUSE to 21x your bet OR play in PICK 'EM contests against other people! Click here to get a 1st deposit match up to $100 1st w/ promocode WandW!