Jiricek, 20, could return to AHL's Cleveland Monsters for more development when Blue Jackets' Johnson returns from shoulder injury.

Columbus’ defensive metrics are heading south in a hurry, and they’re in the latter half of a back-to-back against a rested Habs team. The Blue Jackets are most vulnerable giving up shots to wingers, as only six teams have conceded more over the past 10 games.

Zach Werenski and Dmitri Voronkov each had a goal and an assist while Sean Monahan had two assists as the Columbus Blue Jackets collected a 6-2 win over the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday.

When the Montreal Canadiens play the Columbus Blue Jackets at Bell Centre on Saturday (beginning at 7:00 PM ET), Nicholas Suzuki and Kirill Marchenko should be two of the top players to keep an eye on. See below to read more about Canadiens vs. Blue Jackets leaders, insights, and a predicted winner.

COLUMBUS -- Zach Werenski and Dmitri Voronkov each had a goal and an assist for the Columbus Blue Jackets, who ended a six-game losing streak with a 6-2 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Nationwide Arena on Friday.

The Pittsburgh Penguins travel across state lines on Friday night to face the Columbus Blue Jackets, their Metropolitan Division rival.

A Friday night in the NHL features a Metropolitan Division matchup between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Columbus Blue Jackets. Welcome to NHL Predictions here at Last Word on Hockey!

Columbus Blue Jackets (5-8-2, 12 points, 8th place Metropolitan Division) When: 7:00 p.m. ET How to Watch: SportsNet Pittsburgh locally, Fan Duel Ohio over in that market, NHL Network nationally Pens’ Path Ahead: The Pens head right back home to play the San Jose Sharks tomorrow night to start a string of five in a row from PPG Paints.