The Pittsburgh Penguins attempt to return to the win column against the Carolina Hurricanes.

The Pittsburgh Penguins' recent five game winning streak came to a disappointing end at the hands of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Looking to turn the page and reverse the outcome in their next contest, the team faces another, much tougher divisional foe. Here's what to watch for as the Penguins travel to Raleigh to take on the Carolina Hurricanes. 

1. Metropolitan Marathon

The Penguins are in the midst of a Metropolitan Division swing. This matchup against Carolina will be the third straight in division matchup for Pittsburgh. Splitting the first two games against Columbus and New Jersey, the Pens are hoping to continue their positional climb and improve to a 3-1-1 record within their own division. 

2. Hurricanes Finally Getting The Best From Kotkaniemi 

The Hurricanes invested heavily in Jesper Kotkaniemi. Luring him from Montreal with a lucrative deal as a restricted free agent, the Canes doubled down by extending the young forward for eight more seasons. 

The former third overall pick looked like a bust at the end of his Canadiens tenure, but he's improved each season he's been in Carolina. Coming off of a career high offensive season where he recorded 43 points, he's stepping up his production even more to begin the 2023-24 season. He has 13 points in 16 games, and three in the last five matchups. The Pens will need to pay special attention to the Finnish forward in order to steal a win in Raleigh.

3.  Stagnant Smith

Reilly Smith played like he was fired out of a cannon to begin his first season in Pittsburgh, with 11 points in his first 10 games. 

In his last five games, however, Smith’s game has fallen off considerably. He has just one point over that span, and hasn’t provided that same spark he did a few weeks ago. In a pivotal matchup, can Smith kickstart his stagnant game? 

The Penguins and Hurricanes face-off at 7:00 p.m. at PNC Arena. 

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