Pittsburgh has won nine of the last 10 times when playing a foe with a losing record. I'm banking on the Penguins continuing that run especially being fortified with a number of returning injured players.

The Blue Jackets, on the other hand, could be minus left wing Brandon Saad, who is tied for their team lead in goals, for a third consecutive game with an injury. Already ruled out for Columbus is defenseman Jack Johnson.

Columbus does get back goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. However, Bobrovsky has missed the last 19 games with a groin injury and probably is going to be rusty. The Blue Jackets have to contend with a hot Sidney Crosby, who has a history of playing well in Columbus.