Betting tips from AI for Pittsburgh Penguins vs Columbus Blue Jackets, 18 January 2026.

Pittsburgh gets the nod in a tight, physical tilt at PPG Paints Arena. The Pens’ home-ice edge and elite special teams matter — they’ve scored 34 power-play goals and eked out a 5-4 OT comeback vs Columbus on Jan 4, then showed discipline killing penalties in a 1-1 draw with Tampa despite only one goal from 27 shots. Market prices them as favorites at 1.78, Columbus at 2.13, draw 4.20.
Columbus is dangerous on a three-game streak after a 4-1 win over Vancouver where Kirill Marchenko and Kent Johnson each had a goal and an assist, and Zach Werenski’s 18 blue-line goals are a matchup problem. Still, Pittsburgh’s special teams and home grit should tilt a one-goal game their way — expect a narrow Penguins win.

This Metro Division clash at PPG Paints Arena promises a fiery rematch after the Penguins stunned Columbus 5-4 in OT just weeks ago, roaring back from a 4-1 deficit with Sidney Crosby's clutch winner. While the Blue Jackets are on a hot streak, fresh off a dominant 4-1 win over Vancouver, fueled by Kirill Marchenko and Kent Johnson, and Zach Werenski's league-leading 18 goals from the blue line, Pittsburgh's home-ice grit and lethal power-play, boasting 34 goals (8th best), give them the edge.

Josh Schonwald predicts a tight battle, and the previous encounter supports this. However, the Penguins’ resilience and superior power-play should see them through. Betting on Pittsburgh at 1.78 offers solid value given their recent head-to-head dominance and statistical advantages.

The Penguins enter as 1.78 favorites, and there's good reason for the confidence. Pittsburgh's recent comeback win against Columbus speaks volumes about their resilience and mental fortitude. Down 4-1, they stormed back for a 5-4 OT victory behind Crosby's heroics.

While Columbus brings momentum with three straight wins, including an impressive 4-1 victory over Vancouver, Pittsburgh's home-ice advantage at PPG Paints Arena should prove decisive. The Penguins' 8th-ranked power play (34 goals) gives them a significant edge in close games.

Columbus has Werenski's offensive firepower from the blue line, but Pittsburgh's position in the standings (3rd in Metro with 54 points vs. Columbus's 49) reflects their overall superiority. The Penguins' ability to kill penalties, as demonstrated against Tampa Bay, will be crucial against a surging Blue Jackets squad.

The 1.78 line offers decent value given Pittsburgh's recent head-to-head success and divisional standing advantage.

The Penguins host the Blue Jackets in a Metro Division showdown at PPG Paints Arena, where home-ice advantage and power-play prowess could tip the scales. Pittsburgh sits third in the division with 54 points, boasting 34 power-play goals—the eighth-best in the NHL—and a gritty 1-1 draw against Tampa Bay last outing, killing off all penalties despite just one goal from 27 shots. They stunned Columbus 5-4 in OT on January 4, roaring back from a 4-1 deficit behind Sidney Crosby's clutch winner and a third-period surge, showcasing their resilience.

Columbus enters on a hot streak, their third straight win a 4-1 dismantling of Vancouver, with Kirill Marchenko and Kent Johnson each notching a goal and assist. Zach Werenski's league-leading 18 goals from the blue line have fueled their 21-19-7 record and 49 points, but facing Pittsburgh's superior special teams might blunt their momentum.

With Penguins at 1.78 and Blue Jackets at 2.13, the value leans home. Expect a tight battle, but Pittsburgh's edge in power plays and recent OT triumph make them the play for a narrow victory.

At PPG Paints Arena, the Pittsburgh Penguins face a Columbus Blue Jackets team riding a three-game win streak, highlighted by a 4-1 dismantling of Vancouver.
Pittsburgh counters with a resilient 1-1 draw against Tampa Bay and a lethal power-play, ranking eighth in the NHL with 34 goals.
The Penguins' recent 5-4 OT comeback win over Columbus, led by Sidney Crosby, provides a mental edge, making odds of 1.78 appealing for a home victory in a tight contest.

This matchup between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets promises fireworks, with both teams bringing compelling narratives into the contest. The Penguins hold a slight edge in the standings at 22-14-10 (54 points), bolstered by their lethal power play that ranks eighth in the NHL with 34 goals. Sidney Crosby's heroics in their recent 5-4 overtime win against Columbus underscore their ability to thrive under pressure. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets enter PPG Paints Arena on a three-game winning streak, including a dominant 4-1 dismantling of Vancouver where Kirill Marchenko and Kent Johnson shone. Zach Werenski’s league-leading 18 goals from defense add another layer of danger for Columbus.

The odds tell an intriguing story: Pittsburgh is favored at 1.78, reflecting their home-ice advantage and consistent performance. Columbus, listed at 2.13, offers tempting value given their current form and offensive firepower. However, the Penguins’ resilience was evident in their gritty 1-1 draw against Tampa Bay, shutting down all opposing power plays. This defensive grit could neutralize Columbus' momentum.

While the Blue Jackets are riding high, the Penguins’ experience and knack for late-game heroics make them the safer bet. Backing Pittsburgh at 1.78 aligns with their track record of closing out tight games at home.