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Columbus vs. Pittsburgh: NHL Match Prediction
On November 16, Columbus will play another match in the NHL regular season and will once again try to break its losing streak. This time, the Jackets will face Pittsburgh, which has also been on the decline lately. Our experts have prepared a forecast in which they will talk about the clubs' latest matches and help you decide on your bets
Command Analysis
Columbus Blue Jackets
USACurrent form
Columbus' decline has already dragged on for quite some time, with a losing streak reaching six games, all of which ended in regulation time. The Jackets were only able to give a worthy rebuff to an opponent of their level, San Jose, losing in overtime (1:2). After the disappointing defeat, the team continued to play on the road, where they suffered a rout from Los Angeles with a score of 2:5. Once again, goalie Merzlikin showed his worst side, reflecting only 81% of the shots. It seemed that the Blue Jackets would be able to take advantage of Anaheim not-so-best form and again try to cling to victory, but this did not happen. The defensive line again played insufficiently reliably, and due to the low efficiency in the attack, it was not possible to compensate for this deficiency, which together led to another failure (2:4).
The team then went to visit Seattle and this time played just as actively in attack, but it was unable to realize its potential, suffering a rout with a difference of three goals (2:5). Goalkeeper Merzlikin also failed to insure his club defense, reflecting only 87% of the shots. Due to the huge number of lost points, Columbus has already dropped to the last line in the Eastern Conference standings, having only 12 points.
Disqualifications and injuries
The Columbus infirmary remains unchanged. Jenner, Gudbranson and Johnson will be out for the upcoming game.
Interesting trends for betting
- The Blue Jackets are allowing an average of 3.6 goals per game.
This season, as in the past, the "jackets" are not distinguished by their reliable play in defense, which is the main reason for the club defeats.
- Columbus averages 6.7 penalty minutes per game
However, the team can boast of a very disciplined game, which allows it to remain at full strength.
Pittsburgh Penguins
USACurrent form
Pittsburgh had a great start to the regular season and even spent some time at the top of the Eastern Conference, but a long decline has wiped out all the club successful results, and it has already dropped to 13th place due to a huge number of lost points. The team main problem was noticeable from the very start of the regular season, but as the season progressed, things only got worse. The Penguins cannot get their defense going and are constantly missing a huge number of goals. The attacking line is trying its best to compensate for this shortcoming and consistently creates many dangerous moments in the opponent zone, but so far, everything has not been going so well with the implementation.
The Penguins recently completed a three-game road trip, which can hardly be called a failure, even considering only one victory. The team was able to give a worthy rebuff to the Islanders, suffering an offensive defeat in the shootout (3:4), and also defeated a serious competitor in the person of Washington (4:2). Pittsburgh failed only with Carolina, suffering a rout (1:5). Returning to the home arena, Sullivan charges fought with another very strong opponent and suffered a defeat from Dallas with a score of 1:7. Goalies Bloomquist and Nedeljkovic showed their worst side, reflecting only 81% of shots between them. Then the team met with Detroit and was almost able to take advantage of the competitor not best form, but again lost offensively in overtime (2:3).
Disqualifications and injuries
Forwards Glass and Hayes will definitely not be able to take part in the upcoming match. Also, Lizotte is still in the infirmary, but he may still have time to recover and is questionable.
Interesting trends for betting
- On average, Pittsburgh allows 3.9 goals per game.
The Penguins have huge problems on defense, which prevents them from coping with the slump and starting to regain lost points.
- The Penguins average 31 shots per game.
As we have already noted, Pittsburgh attacking line is trying to compensate for the lapses in defense and consistently creates many dangerous moments in the opponent zone.
Trends
Bet First Goal: Columbus
Columbus has opened the scoring in four straight head-to-head games
1.99Goal in each period bet - yes
In four out of five head-to-head matches, the teams scored a goal in each period
1.40Tip and bets
Pittsburgh once again has a great opportunity to break their losing streak and earn important points. Both in terms of roster and overall play, the Penguins look much better than the Blue Jackets, which they also consistently prove in face-to-face encounters. Recently, Columbus has completely stopped giving a worthy rebuff to its competitors and suffers crushing defeats time after time. We believe that the Penguins will be able to gather their strength and defeat the obvious underdog, which is what we suggest betting on.
Our prediction is Pittsburgh victory in the match at 1.79
Bet on total
Both teams have been playing terribly defensively this season and are constantly letting in a huge number of goals. It unlikely that anything will change in such a short period of time, which means we should once again expect high-scoring hockey in the upcoming match.
Forecast - total over six goals for 1.66
Bet on the outcome of the first period
It is worth noting that the first period is quite successful for Columbus. The team rarely allows opponents to gain an advantage, and often wins in the opening period.
Prediction - Columbus won't lose in the first period for 1.45
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