Game Preview: Blue Jackets Travel To Pittsburgh; Seek First Win Over Penguins Since 2019

PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

13–8–4 (30 points; .600%) ROSTER / SCHEDULE

7:00 P.M. – TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6 PPG PAINTS ARENA PITTSBURGH, PA

BALLY SPORTS OHIO ESPN+ (Out of Market)

Black Friday, 2019. 

It was 1,103 days ago — and it was the last time the Columbus Blue Jackets picked up a win over the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Tuesday, the teams meet for the 7th time since that Columbus win in November of 2019. It's been even longer since the Blue Jackets have won in the Steel City — that came in November of 2015 and was the fourth week on the job for John Tortorella. Columbus is 0-7-4 in that span. 

In other words, it's been a while. 

Here's what to know when the Blue Jackets and Penguins face off from the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh :

TALKING POINTS: PIT

• The Penguins are hot. They're 7-1-1 in their last nine games, failing to pick up at least a point only against the Toronto Maple Leafs. They've averaged nearly four goals per game during the stretch but are just 5-for-27 on the power play in that span.
   
• As of early Tuesday morning, there's no word on the availability of forwards Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin or goaltender Casey DeSmith. All three were among the Penguins who did not skate at practice Monday, with head coach Mike Sullivan saying they were out due to an illness. (Tuesday afternoon update: Sullivan says all three are game-time decisions.) 
   
• DeSmith has been solid for the Penguins this season in a back-up role. He has a 3.00 goals against and .908 save percentage in nine starts, while primary starter Tristan Jarry has 16 starts, a 2.86 GAA, and .915 SV%. 
   
• Crosby, 35, still leads the team in goals (13), assists (20), and points (30) this season, despite his age. Malkin, 36, has a stat line of 8-16-24. Both have played in all 25 Pittsburgh games so far.