Pittsburgh Penguins vs Columbus Blue Jackets Picks and Predictions for Friday October 9 2026
The Pittsburgh Penguins visit the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, on Friday, October 9, 2026. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET. Pittsburgh enters at 2-2 after suffering consecutive losses to Winnipeg and Washington, while Columbus comes into the matchup at 1-1 following a 4-1 loss to Utah last Saturday. The Blue Jackets are listed around -115 on the moneyline, with the Penguins at +105 to +115 and the total set at 6.5 goals. Be sure to check out our free NHL picks for more NHL predictions throughout the season.
Pittsburgh Penguins Need to Clean Up Their Defensive Play
Pittsburgh opened the season with considerable offensive confidence, scoring seven goals against Philadelphia before surviving a wild 6-5 overtime victory over Montreal. Those performances suggested the Penguins would have little trouble generating scoring opportunities, but their last two games have exposed some concerns. Pittsburgh surrendered three third-period goals in a 3-2 loss to Winnipeg before falling 5-3 against Washington on Wednesday.
The Penguins have scored 18 goals through four games, which makes their 2-2 record somewhat disappointing. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin remain important pieces of Pittsburgh’s offensive approach, but producing goals hasn’t been enough to overcome inconsistent defensive execution. The Penguins have already allowed 13 goals, and their inability to protect advantages late in games is becoming an uncomfortable early-season pattern.
Wednesday’s loss to Washington illustrated why Pittsburgh needs to find a better balance. The Penguins managed three goals against a divisional opponent but couldn’t contain a Capitals attack that received contributions throughout its lineup. Pittsburgh has enough offensive experience to remain competitive against Columbus, although the Penguins can’t afford to turn every matchup into a contest where they need four or five goals to win.
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Friday provides an opportunity to regain some momentum against a Columbus team that has played only twice this season. Pittsburgh should benefit from having established a rhythm through four games, but the defensive breakdowns that appeared against Montreal, Winnipeg, and Washington need attention. Better puck management and stronger defensive positioning in the third period would make a significant difference.
Columbus Blue Jackets Return Looking for a Better Offensive Performance
Columbus hasn’t played since October 3, giving the Blue Jackets nearly a week to prepare for Pittsburgh. Their opening two games produced contrasting results. Columbus started with an impressive 6-3 victory over Buffalo before struggling to generate offense in a 4-1 defeat against Utah. The Blue Jackets have demonstrated that they can score in bunches, but maintaining that production remains an important question.
Matthew Knies made an immediate impact in his Columbus debut, recording two goals and an assist against Buffalo. Charlie Coyle added three assists, while Zach Werenski contributed two helpers from the blue line. Those performances demonstrated how dangerous Columbus can become when its forwards are finding space and its defensemen are participating in the attack.
The loss to Utah provided a different perspective. Columbus managed just one goal and couldn’t establish the sustained offensive pressure that made its season opener so successful. The Blue Jackets will need a more consistent effort against a Pittsburgh team that has shown the ability to capitalize on defensive mistakes. Playing at home should help Columbus control matchups, but that advantage only matters if the Blue Jackets convert their opportunities.
One interesting aspect of Friday’s contest is the difference in rest. Columbus should be the fresher team, having enjoyed several days between games, while Pittsburgh is playing its third contest in five days. However, the Blue Jackets also need to avoid looking rusty after the extended break. Their best opportunity may come from pressuring Pittsburgh’s defense early and forcing the Penguins into the mistakes that have contributed to their recent losses.
Pittsburgh Penguins vs Columbus Blue Jackets Picks and Predictions
Pick: Pittsburgh Penguins Moneyline (+115)
I’m taking Pittsburgh at the plus-money price. The Penguins have lost consecutive games, but their offense has produced 18 goals through four contests, giving them enough firepower to challenge a Columbus defense that allowed three goals against Buffalo and four against Utah. Pittsburgh’s defensive problems are legitimate, particularly late in games, although Columbus hasn’t demonstrated enough consistency to justify laying a significant price. The Penguins also have the advantage of having played more competitive hockey over the opening week. Crosby and Malkin provide the experience needed to settle down a team that has been struggling to protect leads. At +115, Pittsburgh offers reasonable value in what should be a competitive Metropolitan Division matchup.
Pick: Over 6.5 Goals
The Over 6.5 is the total pick. Pittsburgh has scored 18 goals while allowing 13 through four games, and its season has already featured a 6-5 overtime victory over Montreal and a 5-3 loss to Washington. Columbus opened with a 6-3 win over Buffalo before losing 4-1 to Utah, showing that its games can produce scoring opportunities at both ends. The Penguins’ defensive inconsistency creates a favorable environment for Columbus to generate offense, while Pittsburgh has enough attacking ability to contribute several goals of its own. Seven goals is a relatively demanding number, but both teams have demonstrated the offensive potential and defensive vulnerabilities to reach it.
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