The Pens have won eight of their last 10 against the Jackets, but this is a tricky spot for them on the road with a rest disadvantage.
Pittsburgh is coming off an overtime loss to the Red Wings on Thursday, while Columbus has had two days to recover from a sixth straight blowout loss to the Kraken.
Having traded Lars Ellers mid-week, it feels like the Pens are starting to pack it on the season, so it’s worth taking a piece of the value available for the Jackets to finally snap this horrid stretch of form.
I wrote yesterday that the Preds enter a tough stretch of games in Western Canada, continuing on Saturday when they head to Calgary to face the Flames.
Nashville is coming off a tough game against Connor McDavid and the Oilers last night, and this won’t be much easier with Calgary playing above expectations to start the year.
With another game in Vancouver to follow on Monday, there’s a good edge here on the Flames coming off two days rest.