The NFL season is heating up, and there's no shortage of excitement as teams gear up for pivotal matchups. This week, the Pittsburgh Penguins are taking the ice against the Columbus Blue Jackets—a game that's capturing the attention of fans everywhere. But that's not all that's buzzing. Jason Kelce, the former center of the Philadelphia Eagles, has been making his rounds recently, merging sports with the festive spirit by releasing his new Christmas single prior to the Eagles' Thursday Night Football showdown with the Washington Commanders.
Tonight, the Penguins are facing off against the Blue Jackets at 7:00 PM, marking the first leg of back-to-back games. Penguins fans can catch the action on SportsNet Pittsburgh for local viewing or tune in to the NHL Network nationally. If fans prefer to listen to the game, they can do so on 105.9 the X or via the Penguins app. This season, the matchup is something to watch. Pittsburgh's record stands at 6-9-3, whereas Columbus holds 5-8-2.
Historically, the Penguins have dominated their encounters with the Blue Jackets, boasting points across 13 consecutive games since December 12, 2019, with a record of 11-0-2 during this stretch. Last season, the Penguins went 3-0-1 against Columbus, showcasing their advantage. Interestingly, they've only dropped the season series once since the Metropolitan Division was formed for the 2012-13 season. A quick peek at their recent face-offs reveals Pittsburgh is 21-3-3 against the Blue Jackets over the past 27 contests dating back to February 3, 2017. Notably, the Penguins have thrived offensively, scoring three or more goals in 20 of their last 24 meetings.
Moving off the ice and onto the latest on the Eagles, Jason Kelce is making headlines too. The renowned center, known for his flamboyant personality and charming performances, has stepped back from professional play but remains very much part of the football scene. On Thursday, he performed his new holiday song, “Santa Drives an Astrovan,” with the band Mt. Joy, right before the Eagles clashed with the Commanders. Kelce's lively performance, featuring his signature gravelly voice, followed the success of his previous Christmas albums, which raised around $4.25 million for children's charities.
This venture isn’t just about music; Kelce continues to embrace his role as a motivational force among the Eagles, stating after his performance, “We win as a team, we lose as a team.” It’s moments like these, blending sport and entertainment, which keep fans entertained year-round, making them feel connected to their teams.
Fans also can't help but keep track of player milestones. Sidney Crosby, the face of the Penguins, is just two goals short of becoming the 21st player ever to hit 600 goals. With five goals over his last seven games, he remains poised to reach this impressive mark. Should he succeed, he’ll join Alex Ovechkin as the only active NHL players with at least 600 goals.
Crosby isn't the only Penguin making headlines. Tristan Jarry has carved out a noteworthy record against Columbus, boasting impressive stats with an 8-1-1 history against them. Expect to see key contributions from forwards like Bryan Rust and Anthony Beauvillier, all adding to the intrigue of tonight's game. Beauvillier, fresh off scoring against the Red Wings, is among the players to watch as he’s matched his previous season's total for goals already.
Meanwhile, Kelce's endeavor to infuse some holiday spirit has drawn mixed reactions. While some Eagles fans appreciate the singer’s touch as they gear up for what could be one of their most significant games of the season, others have raised eyebrows at the juxtaposition of Christmas cheer with the intense atmosphere of NFC East rivalries. Kelce himself questioned whether the festive performance was appropriate at such a tense moment, saying, “I don’t know if this is the right thing to do.” Yet, his willingness to face fans and speak candidly about the team's dynamics shows his commitment to both his teammates and the fans.
This blend of sporting excellence and musicianship creates exciting narratives for fans to engage with, highlighting how these athletes are more than just players. They become part of their communities, whether they're scoring goals, charting records, or serenading crowds with holiday tunes. Who could’ve guessed the NFL and festive music would intertwine so seamlessly?
With both the Penguins and Eagles capturing the spotlight, fans are reminded of the joy and excitement both sports and entertainment bring to their lives. Whether it’s watching the Penguins dominate yet another game or cheering on the Eagles as they fight for playoff positions, this weekend promises unforgettable moments. So gather your friends, grab your jerseys, and get ready for some thrilling action this weekend!
