— The Penguins have won 15 straight home games against the Blue Jackets. Columbus last won here at PPG Paints Arena way back on Nov. 13, 2015.

— Ryan Graves left Thursday’s game with an apparent injury. The defenseman didn’t take a shift in the final two periods nor was he seated on the home bench.

— Jeff Carter returned to the Penguins lineup after he missed the previous four games due to an injury. He bumped young forward Jonathan Gruden up to the press box. Pittsburgh’s other scratches were Emil Bemstrom and John Ludvig.

— Jansen Harkins has resumed skating. He has been sidelined since March 7.

— Nedeljkovic made his third straight start, noteworthy with the Penguins saying they are not giving up on the season. Tristan Jarry’s last start was March 22.

— Alex Nylander, who has tallied eight goals and three assists in 15 games since the Penguins traded him to Columbus for Bemstrom, sat out due to an illness.

— Grammy-winning singer Christina Aguilera was in the building cheering on her hometown team. She received a nice ovation when showed on the Jumbotron.

STAT N’AT

1,580 – career points for Crosby, who has moved into 11th place on the NHL’s all-time scoring list with his assist on O’Connor’s goal. He passed Ray Bourque.

COMING UP

The Penguins are scheduled to practice Friday. Their next game is Saturday, a rematch against these Blue Jackets in Columbus. That is the first of four straight road games for the Penguins, all against Metro Division teams.

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