The National Hockey League (NHL) is home to many fierce rivalries, and one that has developed into an exciting matchup is between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Columbus Blue Jackets. These two teams, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Columbus, Ohio, respectively, have a history of intense battles on the ice, creating a rivalry that has captivated hockey fans. In this post, we will delve into the key aspects of the Pittsburgh vs Columbus NHL rivalry and what makes it so special.
14 APRIL 2023
TIME: 07:00 PM ET
Let’s start with the Pittsburgh Penguins, who have a storied history of success in the NHL. Established in 1967, the Penguins have won the Stanley Cup five times, with their most recent championships coming in 2016 and 2017. The team’s logo features a distinctive penguin emblem, and their games at the PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh are known for their passionate atmosphere, with fans donning the team’s iconic black and gold jerseys.
The Penguins are known for their star power, with players like Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang leading the charge. They have a reputation for their high-flying, offensive-minded style of play, with an emphasis on speed, skill, and creativity. The team’s style of play is characterized by their lethal power play, dynamic forward lines, and ability to generate scoring chances from all over the ice, making them a formidable opponent.
On the other hand, the Columbus Blue Jackets, established in 2000, are a relatively young franchise in the NHL. The team’s logo features a distinctive Civil War cannon emblem, reflecting the city’s rich history, and their games at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus are known for their energetic atmosphere, with fans passionately supporting their team in their blue and white jerseys.
The Blue Jackets have had their ups and downs over the years, but have steadily built a competitive team, making the playoffs in recent seasons. They are known for their hard-working, defensively sound style of play, with players like Seth Jones, Zach Werenski, and Cam Atkinson leading the charge. The team’s style of play is characterized by their strong team defense, disciplined play, and solid goaltending, making them a tough opponent to crack.
One of the key aspects of the Pittsburgh vs Columbus NHL rivalry is the geographic proximity of the two teams. The cities of Pittsburgh and Columbus are located relatively close to each other, with a distance of about 185 miles separating them. This close proximity has led to a natural rivalry between the two teams and their fan bases, as they vie for bragging rights in the region.
Another key aspect of the Pittsburgh vs Columbus NHL rivalry is the contrast in playing styles between the two teams. The Penguins’ emphasis on offense and skill clashes with the Blue Jackets’ focus on defense and hard work, creating an intriguing matchup of contrasting styles. The games between the Penguins and the Blue Jackets often feature intense battles along the boards, tight checking, and physical play, making for a hard-fought and unpredictable matchup.
The history between the Penguins and the Blue Jackets also adds to the intensity of their rivalry. The two teams have faced each other numerous times in the regular season and playoffs, with memorable moments and heated exchanges on the ice. The playoffs, in particular, have seen some epic battles between these two teams, with emotions running high and the stakes raised to another level. This history of intense competition has fueled the rivalry between the Penguins and the Blue Jackets, making their matchups must-watch games for hockey fans.
The passionate fan bases of both teams also play a significant role in the Pittsburgh vs Columbus NHL rivalry. The fans in Pittsburgh and Columbus are known for their unwavering support of their teams and create a spirited atmosphere during games. Penguins fans, often referred to as the “Pens Army.