NHL Betting Pick on Pittsburgh at Columbus

On Friday, the Columbus Blue Jackets host the Pittsburgh Penguins in NHL betting action. The Blue Jackets (28-31-8, 64 points) are in eighth place in the Metropolitan Division. They just whipped the Detroit Red Wings at home, 5-3. The Penguins (34-24-8, 76 points) are in fourth place in the Metropolitan Division but just lost to the Islanders on Tuesday night, 2-1.

An extra full practice at #UPMC66 means injured players are close to return. Scoop: https://t.co/DVrkjGz8r5 pic.twitter.com/6F8uTszHtP

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) March 10, 2016

NHL Betting Pick on Columbus at Pittsburgh and TV Info

When: Friday, March 11, 2016, 7:00 PM ET Where: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, OH TV: FSOH, ROOT Radio: WEOL Radio 930 AM / Columbus Blue Jackets Radio Network Live Stream: NHL.tv NHL Odds: TBA

Why Should You Bet on the Blue Jackets?

Cam Atkinson has been coming on for the Blue Jackets lately. In their win over Detroit, he found the back of the net twice and assisted on another goal. The Blue Jackets have an awful defense right now (#28 in the NHL, 3.0 goals per game), but if their offense can stay on track, they can jump out on top of PIttsburgh just like they did with Detroit.

Why Should You Put Your Money on Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh has a lot more offensive talent than Detroit does, which means that they have more of a chance of punching the Blue Jackets in the mouth first with a quick goal or two. Pittsburgh has the #10 defense (2.5 goals against) and is #7 on the penalty kill (83.5%), so they should be able to corral the Blue Jackets and keep them off the scoreboard more easily than Detroit did.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

I like the Blue Jackets to keep the momentum going at home and beat a Pittsburgh team that can fall into offensive fogs in a hurry. I’m picking Columbus to win, 4-3.