Penguins @ Jackets
2026-01-04T20:00Z | Nationwide Arena | ESPN+, FanDuel SN OH
Here's the stat that screams from this matchup: both teams sitting at identical 5-5 records over their last ten, but Columbus gets home chalk at -125. The market's basically saying these teams are dead even, which creates opportunity.
Pittsburgh's been grinding through a pace-heavy season with Crosby still pulling strings, but they're showing wear. Their road splits reveal a team that's lost that killer instinct away from home. Columbus counters with a suffocating defensive structure that's kept them competitive despite limited offensive firepower.
The style clash favors the home team. Columbus excels at turning games into ugly, low-event affairs where their goaltending can steal points. Pittsburgh needs tempo and transition chances to maximize their aging core's effectiveness, but Nationwide Arena's atmosphere typically neutralizes that edge.
Six and a half feels inflated when these teams meet. Columbus specializes in dragging opponents into defensive battles, and Pittsburgh's recent road form suggests they'll struggle to generate consistent pressure.
**Take the under 6.5 and lean Columbus -125.**