The Pittsburgh Penguins are riding high with a four-game winning streak as they prepare to face the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on Sunday. Currently holding a playoff position, the Penguins’ overall record stands at 19-12-9. The match is set to begin just after 3 p.m.
An intriguing subplot for this game is the homecoming of winger Yegor Chinakhov, who the Penguins acquired last Monday. Chinakhov’s move from Columbus followed his public trade request after last season, influenced by his dissatisfaction with coach Dean Evason and his role on the team. The Penguins managed to obtain Chinakhov in exchange for a second-round pick in 2026, a third-round pick in 2027, and forward Danton Heinen.
In their previous match against the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh showcased an impressive defensive performance, allowing only 12 shots on goal—a franchise record for a road game. Bryan Rust initiated the scoring early, with Chinakhov netting a breakaway goal from an excellent assist by rookie Ben Kindel. The victory also featured empty-net goals from Rickard Rakell and Connor Dewar, while Penguins goalie Stuart Skinner stopped 11 of 12 shots to earn his second straight win.
Skinner praised the team’s chemistry, emphasizing their collaborative effort in both scoring and defense, while also highlighting the success of their penalty kill and power play.
Pittsburgh currently boasts the third-best winning percentage in the Metropolitan Division and ranks seventh overall in the Eastern Conference, holding down the second wild-card spot. In contrast, the Blue Jackets, with a record of 18-16-6, find themselves at the bottom of the conference despite recent improvements, including winning four of their last five games. Their latest match resulted in a resounding 5-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres, ending Buffalo’s ten-game winning streak.
Both teams are concluding back-to-back games, with the Penguins expected to start Arturs Silovs in goal, while Elvis Merzlikins is anticipated to guard the net for Columbus.
Fans can catch the game on SportsNet Pittsburgh or tune in to radio station 105.9 The X for live coverage.
The likely lines for the Penguins include familiar names such as Sidney Crosby and Rickard Rakell, while the Blue Jackets will see contributions from players like Adam Fantilli and Boone Jenner. Pittsburgh has dominated the rivalry, earning points in 17 of their last 18 encounters against Columbus and showing resilience as road warriors with a record that features five wins in their last eleven away games.
As the Penguins continue to develop chemistry and bolster their standing, this matchup not only presents a chance to extend their winning streak but also provides a meaningful moment for Chinakhov as he returns to his former team.