NHL Game Preview: Columbus Blue Jackets at Pittsburgh Penguins with Line Combinations 1/7/2025

Columbus Blue Jackets (17-17-6, 40 pts) at Pittsburgh Penguins (17-17-7, 41 pts)

Venue: PPG Paints Arena
Date: Tuesday, January 7
Time: 7:00 pm ET 
TV: ESPN+ / FDSO / FDSW 
Radio: 
Columbus Blue Jackets – WBNS The Fan 97.1 FM
Pittsburgh Penguins – 105.9 The X

DraftKings Sportsbook Betting Lines:
Columbus Blue Jackets +1.5 ML +130
Pittsburgh Penguins -1.5 ML -150
O/U 6.5

Purchase tickets via Ticketmaster

Columbus Blue Jackets News & Notes: 

Columbus has alternated wins over their last five games, with three victories and two defeats over that span. This is a huge game for both teams, as they are only separated by one point in the Metropolitan Division standings. The Blue Jackets have struggled on the road this season, with a 4-12-3 record in 19 road games. The Blue Jackets won the first meeting between these two teams 6-2 on November 15 in Columbus. 

Pittsburgh Penguins News & Notes:

The Penguins have lost three straight and four of their last five games, with all of the losses coming on the road. The Penguins have better luck at home, where they are 11-7-2 this season at PPG Paints Arena. Pittsburgh is tied in points for the second wild card spot but is on the outside looking in because they’ve played more games, every point counts as the Penguins try to hold off Columbus tonight and get into a playoff spot. 

Columbus Blue Jackets Projected Lines: 

Voronkov-Monahan-Marchenko
van Riemsdyk-Sillinger-K. Johnson
Aston-Reese-Fantilli-Olivier
Pyyhtia-Kuraly-Harris

Werenski-Fabbro
Mateychuk-Provorov
J. Johnson-Christiansen

Merzlikins
Tarasov

Get Your Columbus Hockey Merchandise Here: 

Pittsburgh Penguins Projected Lineup:

Rakell-Crosby-Rust
Bunting-Malkin-Glass
O’Connor-Hayes-Beauvillier
Nieto-Lizotte-Acciari

Pettersson-Letang
Grzelcyk-Karlsson
Pickering-P.O. Joseph

Jarry
Nedeljkovic

Get Pittsburgh Hockey Merchandise Here: 

Players To Watch:

Columbus Blue Jackets

Zach Werenski has been on a roll for the Blue Jackets with a three-game point streak and points in five of his last six games. The Grosse Pointe, Michigan native has four multi-point games over that span, including two assists in a 6-4 victory over the St.Louis Blues on Saturday. The 27-year-old defenseman leads Columbus in points with 45 (12g, 33a) in 40 games and is on pace for the best season of his career.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Michael Bunting has been steady all season for the Penguins but has been playing even better recently, with points in five of his last six games. The 29-year-old winger has five goals and two assists over that span. Bunting is on pace for 24 goals, eclipsing his previous career-high of 23, which he did in both seasons in Toronto with the Leafs. 

Injury Report:

Columbus Blue Jackets

D Eric Gudbranson – IR

C Boone Jenner – IR

Pittsburgh Penguins

Philip Thomasino – IR

Next Game:

Columbus Blue Jackets – January 9 vs. Seattle Kraken

Pittsburgh Penguins – January 9 vs. Edmonton Oilers

Season 4. Episode 15. Public Skate – Bruins Benders Podcast

Join the Bruins Benders Podcast as they cover the HOTTEST topics in the Boston Bruins market, along with…- Hampus Lindholm Injury Update – Should the Bruins accumulate draft picks or target young NHL players to rebuild the roster?- JT Miller and Elias Pettersson are available, are either a fit in Boston?& Much More!Bruins Benders Premium Hoodies $55https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/get-bent-premium-hoodieBruins Benders Long Sleeve Tee $40https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-long-sleeve-tee-1Bruins Benders Tee $30https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-t-shirt-1For more from us, visit: insidetherink.com/bruins-bendersInside The RinkGet Bent Premium HoodieWho knew that the softest hoodie you'll ever own comes with such a cool design. You won't regret buying this classic streetwear piece of apparel with a convenient pouch pocket and warm hood for chilly evenings. • 100% cotton face • 65% ring-spun cotton, 35% polyester • Front pouch pocket • Self-fabric patch on the backhttps://shop.insidetherink.com/products/get-bent-premium-hoodieInside The RinkBruins Benders Long Sleeve T-ShirtEnrich your wardrobe with a versatile long sleeve tee. For a casual look, combine it with your favorite jeans, and layer it with a button-up shirt, a zip-up hoodie, or a snazzy jacket. Dress it up with formal trousers or chinos to achieve a more professional look. • 100% airlume combed ring-spun cotton • Heather colorshttps://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-long-sleeve-tee-1Inside The RinkBruins Benders T-ShirtThis t-shirt is everything you've dreamed of and more. It feels soft and lightweight, with the right amount of stretch. It's comfortable and flattering for all. • 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester) • Fabric weight: 4.2 oz./yd.² (142 g/m²) • Pre-shrunk fabric • Side-seamed construction •https://shop.insidetherink.com/products/bruins-benders-t-shirt-1

1. Season 4. Episode 15. Public Skate 50:19
2. Season 4. Episode 14. West Coast Road Trip. 41:21
3. Season 4. Episode 13. This Is Not the Sway 01:14:21
4. Season 4. Episode 12. Going Streaking! 55:26
5. Season 4. Episode 11. Have the Bruins Turned a Corner? 01:04:20