Outline
Few matchups capture hockey's intensity like Blue Jackets-Penguins games. What began as David vs Goliath encounters between expansion Columbus and established Pittsburgh has evolved into one of the Metro Division's most compelling narratives. The turning point came during 2017's playoff thriller, where Pittsburgh's eventual Cup run started with extinguishing Columbus' Cinderella hopes in overtime drama.
Local bars still replay footage of that series' crunching checks and post-whistle scrums. You can taste the history when these teams meet, says longtime Blue Jackets radio voice Bob McElligott. It's not just about points - it's about proving they belong in the same conversation as the Pens' championship pedigree.
This season presents fascinating contrasts. Pittsburgh continues leaning on its veteran core, with 36-year-old Crosby defying time by averaging over a point per game. Meanwhile, Columbus GM Jarmo Kekäläinen has assembled the league's youngest roster, betting on speed to counter experience.
The numbers tell the story: Pittsburgh's 34.2 shots/game (3rd NHL) vs Columbus' 28.1 (22nd). But don't mistake defensive focus for passivity - the Jackets lead the league in blocked shots (15.3/game), turning their zone into a shooting gallery where only low-percentage attempts get through.
Pittsburgh's offensive machine shows no signs of slowing, converting 24.7% of power plays (5th best). Their secret? Relentless puck cycling that exhausts defenders. Columbus counters with structured breakouts, turning defense into offense through Gaudreau's transition magic.
While Crosby (18G-32A) remains Pittsburgh's engine, the surprise has been Rickard Rakell's resurgence (25 goals). For Columbus, rookie Adam Fantilli's emergence (19G) provides crucial secondary scoring. When Fantilli's line clicks, notes analyst Brian Boucher, they transform from defensive grinders to legitimate dual-threat.
February's 4-3 Penguins win typified recent clashes: Pittsburgh's stars delivered late, while Columbus' third-period push fell short. The difference? Faceoffs. Crosby's 63% win rate in crucial draws repeatedly killed Jackets' momentum.
Beyond Gaudreau's highlight-reel moves, watch Dmitri Voronkov's net-front presence. The 6'5 rookie screens goalies like a human eclipse, redirecting point shots with Soviet-era efficiency.
While Letang quarterbacks the power play, keep eyes on Lars Eller. Pittsburgh's $2.45M deadline steal has become their shutdown center, neutralizing top lines while chipping in 12 goals.
Merzlikins faces 35+ shots nightly behind Columbus' bend-don't-break system. Jarry's challenge? Staying sharp during Pittsburgh's puck-dominant stretches. It's like facing 20 scoring chances in 10 minutes versus 35 spread out, explains goalie coach Mike Buckley.
This collision comes down to tempo control. If Columbus drags Pittsburgh into a muck-and-grind affair, their physical edge (1,832 hits vs Pens' 1,509) could prevail. But Pittsburgh's transition game (27% of goals off odd-man rushes) threatens to turn every turnover into instant offense.
Final call: 3-2 Penguins in OT. Crosby extends his point streak, but Fantilli's two-goal night announces Columbus' future is brighter than their standings spot suggests.