The Columbus Blue Jackets (18-16-6) host the Pittsburgh Penguins (19-12-9, winners of four in a row) at Nationwide Arena. The game on Sunday, Jan. 4 starts at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
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Get ready for this matchup with a look at who we predict will emerge with the victory in Sunday's game.
Over the last 10 games, the Penguins are 5-4-1 while scoring 34 goals against 32 goals allowed. On 26 power-play opportunities during that time, they have scored five goals (19.2%).
Blue Jackets vs. Penguins Predictions for Sunday
Our computer model for this encounter expects a final result of Blue Jackets 4, Penguins 3.
- Moneyline Pick: Blue Jackets (-126)
- Total Pick: No Pick - Predicted Margin Negligible
- Spread Pick: Penguins (+1.5)
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Blue Jackets Splits and Trends
- The Blue Jackets are 7-6-13 in overtime matchups as part of an 18-16-6 overall record.
- Columbus is 6-7-5 (17 points) in its 18 games decided by one goal.
- In the nine games this season the Blue Jackets registered only one goal, they went 1-6-2 (four points).
- Columbus has lost all six games this season when it scored a pair of goals.
- The Blue Jackets have scored at least three goals 24 times, and are 17-3-4 in those games (to record 38 points).
- In the 12 games when Columbus has capitalized on a lone power-play goal, it picked up 15 points after finishing 6-3-3.
- When it has outshot its opponent, Columbus is 10-9-3 (23 points).
- The Blue Jackets' opponents have had more shots in 18 games. The Blue Jackets went 8-7-3 in those matchups (19 points).
Penguins Splits and Trends
- The Penguins have a 19-12-9 record this season and are 3-9-12 in contests that have required overtime.
- Pittsburgh has earned 12 points (4-3-4) in its 11 games that finished with a one-goal margin.
- This season the Penguins recorded just one goal in three games and they've earned two points (0-1-2) in those contests.
- Pittsburgh has earned three points (0-4-3 record) this season when scoring a pair of goals .
- The Penguins have scored at least three goals 27 times, earning 42 points from those matchups (19-4-4).
- Pittsburgh has scored a lone power-play goal in 15 games this season and has registered 15 points from those matchups.
- When outshooting its opponent this season, Pittsburgh is 7-8-5 (19 points).
- The Penguins have been outshot by opponents in 17 games, going 9-4-4 to register 22 points.
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Team Stats Comparison
| Blue Jackets Rank | Blue Jackets AVG | Penguins AVG | Penguins Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20th | 2.98 | Goals Scored | 3.23 | 10th |
| 25th | 3.28 | Goals Allowed | 3.05 | 15th |
| 4th | 30 | Shots | 28.5 | 12th |
| 30th | 30.6 | Shots Allowed | 27.9 | 16th |
| 20th | 18.45% | Power Play % | 29.63% | 3rd |
| 28th | 76.11% | Penalty Kill % | 81.51% | 11th |
Blue Jackets vs. Penguins Game Time and TV Channel
- When: Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 3 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: ESPN+
- Live Stream: Watch this game on ESPN+
- Live Stream: Watch this game on Fubo (Regional restrictions may apply)
- Where: Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio
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