The Pittsburgh Penguins go for their fifth straight win against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have propelled themselves from the divisional basement after rattling off four straight victories. Now, with a multiple Metropolitan Division contests on the horizon, the Penguins are in prime shape to continue rising.

Next up for the Penguins, the first meeting of the season against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Here is what to keep an eye on as the Penguins look to extend their winning streak.

1. Crosby On Fire

Over the last eight games, no team has been able to keep Penguins' captain Sidney Crosby off of the scoresheet. He has four goals and six points for 10 points over that span, which happens to be the sixth longest active scoring streak in the league.

Crosby looks to continue his streak in Columbus, and has the odds in his favor to do so. In his career against the Jackets, he's put up 53 points in just 38 games, good for a 1.39 points per game average. Look for the Captain to make his mark and continue his scoring streak as the Penguins battle the Blue Jackets. 

2. Rookie Sensation

The Penguins opened their season against the number one pick of the 2023 NHL Draft, Connor Bedard. They'll now test their strength against the draft's second selection, forward Adam Fantilli. 

Fantilli has the makings of a future star already in Columbus, leading his team in scoring with nine points over 15 games in his rookie campaign. Averaging just a touch over 15 and a half minutes of ice-time per game, the Blue Jackets are easing their cornerstone player into top six minutes. Despite this, he's still producing, and shutting him down will be the key to victory. 

3. Hinostroza Sparks Fourth Line

The Penguins badly needed a spark for their fourth line. The line was nonexistent through the team's first 10 games, contributing nothing offensively and failing to make up the difference defensively. 

The line suddenly came alive when the team recalled forward Vinnie Hinostroza from the AHL. It took just three games to make it clear that he needs to stick on the fourth line for the foreseeable future. He has a pair of points in his three NHL appearances, but it's his speed and forechecking that has elevated the fourth line from obscurity to productive. 

The fourth line gets another shot in Columbus to help this team claim victory. The Penguins take on the Blue Jackets at 7:00 p.m. at Nationwide Arena.

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