Penguins vs. Blue Jackets: Game 4 prediction

The Penguins pounced on the Blue Jackets, getting out to a quick 3-0 series lead and looking to end it early in Columbus.

Many may think it’s going to be tough for the Penguins to repeat as Stanley Cup champions, especially with the loss of defenseman Kris Letang, but they’ve proven they’re as strong as always against Columbus.

The Blue Jackets have struggled to get past the Penguins in net, scoring just one goal in the first two games of the series, and still struggling in Game 3, even scoring four goals in an overtime loss.

The absence of Matt Murray in net for Pittsburgh initially caused some panic for the Penguins, but Marc-Andre Fleury has been a solid fill-in as the team’s goalie. Outside of his performance in Game 3, he made things easy on Pittsburgh’s offense, which has scored 12 goals in the series, averaging four goals a game.

Transitioning from Pittsburgh to Columbus wasn’t as effective as the Blue Jackets had hoped it would be, as Sergei Bobrovsky fell apart in Game 3 in front of the hometown crowd. In order for the team to have any chance at survival, he’ll have to stand on his head to prevent Sidney Crosby, Phil Kessel, and the talented Pittsburgh offense to break the game open.

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Pick: Penguins 4, Blue Jackets 2

The Penguins found the key to getting past Bobrovsky in Game 3, even on the road, and should have no problem figuring it out again in Game 4. The Penguins gained experience in every situation so far this postseason, whether it’s performing well at home, on the road, fighting back from a deficit, or maintaining their pace in overtime.

Pittsburgh hasn’t struggled at all this postseason, and even with Columbus fighting for survival at home, the Penguins’ powerful offense should fare well in Game 4 to complete the sweep.