Columbus at Pittsburgh

Columbus squeezed out a win at home in Game 4 to stay alive, but the party ends here. They've been in a slump the last month (2-9 run) and rookie Markus Nutivaara has had to step in for injured defenseman Zach Werenski. The defense has fallen off dramatically, allowing 37 goals the last 10 games. Pittsburgh has gotten them for 16 goals in four games this series. Speedy Pittsburgh is tops in the NHL in goals scored, and third on the power play. Penguins star Sidney Crosby was held without a shot in Game 4, so look for the captain to come out with guns blazing tonight. Pittsburgh is also on a 58-18 run at home, and 20-6 at home against a team with a winning road record. The home team has won seven of the last eight meetings, and the Blue Jackets are 30-79 away against a team with a home winning percentage of greater than .600. Play Pittsburgh to win and move on.