Pittsburgh Penguins @ Columbus Blue Jackets Hockey Game Preview: Prediction, Betting Odds & 4 Prop Bets

Friday, October 9, 2026 Time: 7:00 PM ET Location: Nationwide Arena — Columbus, Ohio TV: Blue Jackets Hockey Network / SportsNet Pittsburgh Tickets: As low as $52 Betting Line: Columbus -122 Over/Under: 6.5 Goals

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Columbus Blue Jackets Prediction & Matchup Preview

The Columbus Blue Jackets return to Nationwide Arena Friday night for an early Metropolitan Division matchup against Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Columbus enters 1-1-0 after opening the season with an impressive 6-3 victory over Buffalo before suffering a 4-1 loss against Utah. Pittsburgh sits 2-2-0 after Wednesday’s 5-3 loss at Washington. The Penguins trailed by three before attempting a late comeback, continuing an uneven opening week.

Columbus has had considerably more rest. The Blue Jackets haven’t played since October 3, while Pittsburgh played Wednesday in Washington. Columbus also begins a back-to-back Friday before traveling to St. Louis on Saturday.

One of Columbus’ biggest early developments has been Matthew Knies. The former Toronto Maple Leaf made an immediate impact in his Blue Jackets debut, recording two goals and an assist against Buffalo. Charlie Coyle added three assists, while Zach Werenski contributed two.

Knies joins an intriguing Columbus forward group featuring Adam Fantilli, Valeri Nichushkin, Conor Garland, Sean Monahan, Kent Johnson and Dmitri Voronkov. Werenski remains the centerpiece on defense after staying in Columbus despite offseason trade speculation.

Pittsburgh still revolves around its veteran stars.

Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang remain central pieces, while Bryan Rust returned from an upper-body injury Wednesday and scored against Washington. The Penguins also feature Erik Karlsson on defense and have been experimenting with their forward combinations early in the season.

One concern is Pittsburgh’s defense. The Penguins allowed five goals against Washington and have shown a tendency to give opponents quality opportunities off turnovers.

Columbus should attempt to exploit that with speed and pressure below the goal line.

The Blue Jackets are narrow favorites for a reason. They’re rested, they’re home, and their young offensive core has enough speed to challenge a Pittsburgh team coming off a difficult divisional game.

🔥 Top 4 Expanded Prop Bets

Player-prop markets can move significantly before puck drop. The player thresholds below are recommended targets unless otherwise noted. Confirm final lines and starting lineups before wagering.

Prop Bet #1: Zach Werenski Over 2.5 Shots on Goal

DraftKings

4.5/5

Tip: Werenski Over 2.5 Shots

• Elite Offensive Defenseman
• Power-Play Role
• Heavy Minutes

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Werenski remains Columbus’ most important offensive defenseman and should see significant ice time in a divisional matchup.

His willingness to join the rush and fire from the point makes three shots a reasonable target, particularly if Pittsburgh takes penalties.

The Penguins’ defensive mistakes early this season could also create additional shooting lanes as Columbus pressures in the offensive zone.

Recommended target: Over 2.5 shots on goal.

Prop Bet #2: Sidney Crosby Over 0.5 Points

FanDuel

4.6/5

Tip: Crosby Over 0.5 Points

• Elite Playmaker
• Top-Line Usage
• Power-Play Role

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Crosby may be 39, but Pittsburgh still runs much of its offense through him.

He remains on the top line and first power-play unit, providing multiple paths to record either a goal or an assist. Pittsburgh should also be playing aggressively after falling behind early against Washington.

Columbus allowed three goals in its opener against Buffalo, so the Penguins should generate enough opportunities for Crosby to factor into the scoring.

Recommended target: Crosby over 0.5 points.

Prop Bet #3: Matthew Knies Over 2.5 Shots on Goal

Caesars

4.4/5

Tip: Knies Over 2.5 Shots

• Two Goals in CBJ Debut
• Top-Six Role
• Net-Front Threat

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Knies couldn’t have asked for a better Columbus debut, scoring twice and adding an assist against Buffalo.

His combination of size and finishing ability should make him particularly dangerous against Pittsburgh around the crease.

Columbus should continue giving Knies offensive opportunities after his opening-night performance, and a three-shot target is reasonable if his role remains prominent.

Prop Bet #4: Over 6.5 Total Goals

BetMGM

4.5/5

Tip: Over 6.5 Goals

• Pittsburgh Defensive Issues
• Columbus Scoring Depth
• Offensive Talent

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There is legitimate risk at a total of 6.5, but both clubs have enough offensive talent to create a high-scoring game.

Pittsburgh just allowed five goals to Washington, while three of the Penguins’ first four games have gone over. Columbus scored six in its opener.

The market has remained around 6.5, with several books slightly favoring the under, but a 4-3 result is very much in play.

Players to Watch

Matthew Knies — Columbus: Already has a two-goal performance in his first game with the Blue Jackets and adds another dangerous power forward to Columbus’ attack.

Adam Fantilli — Columbus: One of the franchise’s most important young centers after scoring 24 goals last season.

Zach Werenski — Columbus: Drives offense from the blue line and remains the key player on the Blue Jackets’ power play.

Sidney Crosby — Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh’s offensive leader and still capable of controlling a game through scoring, playmaking and faceoffs.

Evgeni Malkin — Pittsburgh: Veteran center whose size and playmaking remain dangerous, particularly when Pittsburgh gets established in the offensive zone.

Bryan Rust — Pittsburgh: Returned from injury against Washington and immediately scored, giving Pittsburgh another proven finishing option.

The Verdict

Prediction

Columbus Blue Jackets 4, Pittsburgh Penguins 3

Best Bets

Columbus Moneyline -122Over 6.5 Goals Zach Werenski Over 2.5 Shots — Target Line Sidney Crosby Over 0.5 Points — Target Line

This is close to a coin-flip matchup, which is reflected in a market that has Columbus around -120 and Pittsburgh slightly above even money.

Pittsburgh has the experience advantage, but Columbus has several factors in its favor: home ice, additional rest and an increasingly dangerous collection of forwards.

The Penguins’ biggest concern is avoiding another slow start. Falling behind Columbus could allow Fantilli, Knies and the Blue Jackets’ speed to become increasingly difficult to handle in transition.

Expect Crosby and Pittsburgh to generate enough offense to keep it close, but Columbus’ fresher legs and home-ice advantage should provide a slight edge in a game that could require overtime.

Prediction: Columbus Blue Jackets 4, Pittsburgh Penguins 3.

Current markets have Columbus roughly -120 to -125 with Pittsburgh around +100 to +105. The total remains 6.5 goals. Confirm final goaltenders, injuries and player-prop lines before wagering.