NHL betting preview (Nov. 15): Penguins vs. Blue Jackets odds
Join Daily Faceoff’s Andy MacNeil as he handicaps Friday’s Metropolitan Division matchup between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Penguins vs. Blue Jackets Odds
- Pittsburgh Penguins Moneyline: +140
- Columbus Blue Jackets Moneyline: -165
- Puck Line: Penguins -1.5 (-115), Blue Jackets +1.5 (-105)
- Game Total: 6.5 (Over -125, Under +105)
Game odds via Sports Interaction.
Matchup
The Blue Jackets will look to end a six-game losing streak when they host Sidney Crosby and the Penguins on Friday. This is the first half of a back-to-back for Pittsburgh, which will return home to kick off a five-game homestand against San Jose on Saturday. Pittsburgh has just three wins in its last 10 games. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets are returning from a five-game road trip to play at home before heading back out on the road to play in Montreal on Saturday and Boston on Monday. The Penguins have won eight out of the past 10 meetings against the Blue Jackets, including three out of four games last season, but the Blue Jackets got the last laugh with a 4-3 shootout win on March 30.
Handicapping the Penguins (6-12 SU, 7-11 ATS, 9-8-1 O/U)
In the 2023-24 season, Evolving Hockey’s expected goals model identified Tristan Jarry as having one of the strongest campaigns of his career. However, his performance dipped significantly after the All-Star break, during which he posted a 6-12 record with a 3.58 goals-against average and an .886 save percentage. This season, Jarry was demoted to the minors just three games in after a rough start, a decision made by general manager Kyle Dubas.
The Penguins have allowed the second-most goals per 60 minutes so far this season, and Jarry allowed 12 goals in just three games, including three on just five shots in his final appearance before the demotion. Despite the setback, the 29-year-old goaltender rebounded during a five-game AHL stint, recording a 4-1-0 record with a 2.16 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage. He rejoined the Penguins for practice on Saturday and is set to start in Friday’s game.
However, the Penguins will be without defenseman Kris Letang due to illness, which means they’ll be without their biggest minute muncher. Letang currently leads the Penguins in time on ice, while ranking fourth on the team in unblocked shot attempts and second in shots on goal behind Sidney Crosby. However, this will be the perfect time to showcase the skills of potential trade target Marcus Pettersson, and possibly get him some time on the power play.
Handicapping the Blue Jackets (5-10 SU, 8-7 ATS, 10-5 O/U)
Things started surprisingly well for the Blue Jackets, who went 5-3-1 in their first nine games, but although two goals was enough to secure their fifth win, it hasn’t been enough to emerge victorious in their last six games. Columbus ranked as the fourth-best team in goals per 60 minutes (all situations) on Oct. 30, but since then, it ranks as the worst offensive team, scoring just 1.84 goals per 60 minutes.
However, while the Blue Jackets have failed to score more than two goals in all of their last seven games, it’s not for a lack of trying. Since Oct. 30, Columbus ranks as the second-best team in shot attempts and fourth-best team in expected goals per 60 minutes, according to Evolving Hockey. The Blue Jackets should have scored more goals during this recent stretch, based on that alone, but in addition to the lack of shooting luck (or talent), no team has spent more time trailing.
The Blue Jackets have been awful defensively, too, allowing 4.11 goals per 60 minutes over their last seven games, and given that they rank 27th in expected goals against, they’re unlikely to improve. This should be a high-scoring matchup, as we’ve seen a combined seven goals or more in 11 out of 15 games featuring the Blue Jackets this season, and Pittsburgh has allowed three goals or more in all but one road game so far.
Best Bets for Penguins vs. Blue Jackets
Over 6.5 Goals (-125) at Sports Interaction
Columbus and Pittsburgh have gone over the total in six out of the past nine meetings, including three out of four matchups last season, which featured seven goals on average. However, the Penguins are a lot worse defensively than they were last season, and there’s a lot of uncertainty in regards to how Jarry will play in his first start since Oct 16.