NFL Previews 
MLB Previews 
NBA Previews 
NHL Previews 
Soccer Previews 
Penguins vs Blue Jackets Picks and Predictions – Sunday January 4, 2026
The Pittsburgh Penguins hit the road to face the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on Sunday, January 4, 2026. Puck drop is set for 3:00 PM ET on ESPN+. Pittsburgh comes in at 19-12-9, while Columbus sits at 18-16-6, and the market is pricing the Jackets as the home favorite.
This one sets up like a classic spot where form and matchup matter more than the standings line. Pittsburgh has been playing cleaner hockey lately, but Columbus has shown they can pressure teams with shot volume and faceoff control, especially at home.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Columbus Blue Jackets Odds
These are the current betting lines, and bettors should keep monitoring updated NHL odds as puck drop approaches.
| Team | Moneyline | Puck Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Penguins | +110 | Not listed | 6.5 (O -116 / U -105) |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | -131 | Not listed | 6.5 (O -116 / U -105) |
Pittsburgh Penguins Betting Form
Pittsburgh is coming off a strong 4-1 win over Detroit, and the bigger takeaway is how controlled the game looked. The Penguins did not need a track meet to score. They got contributions from the wings, and Sidney Crosby’s playmaking is still driving the offense in the spots that matter most for bettors: power plays, late-game possessions, and momentum swings.
Special teams are the clearest angle for Pittsburgh. The Penguins rank fourth in power play goals, and that gives them a real way to flip a game even if they are not winning the 5v5 shot share. The concern is availability down the middle with Evgeni Malkin out, plus multiple defensive absences. That can show up in longer defensive-zone shifts and tougher matchups for the remaining centers.
For a deeper look at recent results and splits, check Pittsburgh Penguins stats and results. For lineup updates close to puck drop, monitor the Pittsburgh Penguins injury report.
Columbus Blue Jackets Betting Form
Columbus just handled Buffalo 5-1, and the profile is pretty consistent with what makes them dangerous as a home favorite. They generate pressure through volume, they block enough to survive stretches without the puck, and they can win enough draws to start shifts with possession. That matters against Pittsburgh because it can reduce the Penguins’ transition chances and force more of a half-court game.
The Blue Jackets’ strongest betting indicators are their shot generation (ranked seventh in shots on goal) and the ability to control the puck through faceoffs (ranked ninth). If they can turn that into extended offensive-zone time, Pittsburgh’s injury-thinned blue line gets tested. The big variable is whether Sean Monahan is able to go. If he sits, it can hurt the matchup depth and reduce the quality of their second-wave offense.
For schedule context and recent form, check Columbus Blue Jackets schedule and stats. For late availability updates, monitor the Columbus Blue Jackets injury report.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Columbus Blue Jackets Matchup Breakdown
At 5v5, the game script likely comes down to who dictates the shot volume. Columbus wants to keep Pittsburgh in its own zone, force rim-outs, and create second chances off broken plays. Pittsburgh wants cleaner exits and quicker counter attacks, because that is where Crosby and the top-end skill can punish a team that gets loose above the puck.
Special teams are a real swing factor. Pittsburgh’s power play can win this game outright if Columbus takes penalties in bad areas. On the other side, Columbus can keep up if they draw enough calls and turn their own man-advantage time into high-danger looks, especially if Pittsburgh’s defensive pairings are reshuffled.
Goaltending is another key piece, and it’s not something to assume until starters are confirmed. Pittsburgh got a strong result last time out, and Columbus has been getting steadier play recently. If one team starts the backup or a banged-up option, that matters a lot for a 6.5 total and for any in-game angles.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Columbus Blue Jackets Predictions and Best Bets
I lean Pittsburgh on the moneyline at plus money. The price is giving you a real payout for a team that has been in good form, has the better power-play ceiling, and still has Crosby driving the key moments. If the Penguins stay out of the box and keep Columbus from turning the game into pure volume, they can win this with fewer total chances.
The case for Columbus is straightforward: home ice, shot pressure, and a puck-possession profile that can wear down a banged-up opponent. If Monahan plays and Columbus is winning draws, the Penguins may spend too much time defending, and that is how underdogs lose these games even when they have the best player on the ice.
On the total, I lean over 6.5. Both teams can generate offense, and injuries on both sides can push games toward higher-event hockey, especially if special teams get involved. It is still worth confirming starters, because a strong goaltending matchup can turn 6.5 into a tougher climb.
Best Bet: Pittsburgh Penguins Moneyline (+110)
NHL Picks and Handicappers on ScoresAndStats
For more matchup-by-matchup positions across the slate, start with the latest NHL picks and compare this game to others on the NHL previews hub. That’s the fastest way to see where your best angles line up with the board.
If you like following proven performance, check the best handicappers and verify who’s trending on the handicappers leaderboard. If you want packaged plays for the day, browse options on buy picks.
If you’re tightening up process around sides, totals, and how to handicap 5v5 versus special teams, the NHL betting guide is a strong reference, and the Stanley Cup betting guide is helpful when you’re thinking beyond a single game and tracking teams over longer stretches.
