Published Jan 16, 3:33am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Jan 16, 3:33am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Jan 16, 3:33am ET
Two in-form teams in the Metropolitan Division collide at PPG Paints Arena on Jan 17, as the Pittsburgh Penguins host the Columbus Blue Jackets.
It has been a fine period for the Penguins, as they have climbed to third in the division standings after winning seven of their last ten games.
Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets will likely have renewed hopes of a playoff finish this term after winning their previous three.
The Metropolitan Division is wide open this season, and cases can still be made for all teams in terms of a playoff finish.
The action is almost as tight as the latest Super Bowl odds and picks that we have found. Pittsburgh sit third in the division after winning 22 of their 46 games this season, while their recent performance levels have been impressive after winning seven of their last ten.
Their offensive players were excellent in their latest outing, which resulted in a 6-3 win over the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Columbus Blue Jackets may sit seventh in the Metropolitan Division, but plenty of positives can be taken from their recent performances.
They have recorded wins in five of their last ten games, which includes victories in each of their last three. That ensures that Columbus has a winning 21-19-7 record this season, and they rank among the best offensive teams in the division.
The Blue Jackets stormed to an emphatic home win on Thursday, as Kent Johnson and Charlie Coyle both scored in a 4-2 home win over the Vancouver Canucks.
| TOTAL | Blue Jackets | Penguins | DRAWS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WINS | 85 | 28 | 57 | - |
| GOALS | 545 | 242 | 303 |
The Blue Jackets may boast the better recent form, but the preference is for the Penguins to close the gap on the top two in the Metropolitan Division. Their chances are increased based on the fact that they have won a staggering 81% of the previous head-to-head meetings between the sides at PPG Paints Arena.
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Pittsburgh Penguins
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