Penguins @ Jackets

2026-01-04T20:00Z | Nationwide Arena | ESPN+, FanDuel SN OH
Line: CBJ -125 | O/U: 6.5 | PIT: 19-12-9 | CBJ: 18-16-6

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.**

Knights @ Blackhawks

2026-01-05T00:00Z | United Center | ESPN+, Scripps Sports
Line: VGK -265 | O/U: 6.5 | VGK: 17-11-11 | CHI: 16-18-7

Look, everyone's going to hammer Vegas here because Chicago's been trash and the Knights are getting massive respect at -265. But here's what's hilarious - both teams are identical garbage on the road AND at home with matching 3-7 records in their last 10.

The United Center crowd is actually showing up this year for a rebuilding Hawks team that's somehow only six points back of Vegas despite being written off. Chicago's young legs have been scrappy at home, and this line screams trap game for a Vegas squad that's been sleepwalking through stretches.

The real kicker? Vegas has been awful in spots where they're heavy chalk on the road. They're not the dominant team this number suggests, and laying nearly three units on any NHL road favorite feels like lighting money on fire.

Chicago's getting zero respect here, but they've hung tough at the United Center. The value is screaming at you.

**Take: Chicago +1.5 (+115)**