The red hot Pittsburgh Penguins take on the New Jersey Devils at PPG Paints Arena.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are on the come up in the Metropolitan Division. Winners of five straight, the Penguins are looking miles improved from the 3-6 record they had prior to this streak. Their next challenge is a visit from the reeling New Jersey Devils. Here’s what to watch for.

1. Eller Finding Groove 

Over the Penguins’ winning streak, Lars Eller has been a standout player on both sides of the ice. Head coach Mike Sullivan has been subtly deploying Eller and his line more, and it’s paid off on the scoresheet and keeping opponents off of it. He has three points in the last five games, including a shorthanded goal, and the third line is buzzing every shift. 

2. Life Without Hughes 

Despite a 6-3-1 start, the Devils are unsurprisingly struggling since superstar Jack Hughes sustained an upper body injury at the beginning of November. He was off to a thunderous start with 20 points in his first 10 games. The team is 1-3 in his absence, and are being outscored 24-13 since Hughes’ left their November 3rd contest. 

With Hughes status questionable for this matchup, the Penguins will breathe a little easier on defense. Their attention should turn to the criminally underrated Jesper Bratt as the key to shutting down the New Jersey attack.

3. Letang Approaching Milestone 

Penguins’ defender Kris Letang sits just one point shy of a huge career milestone. Sitting at 699 career points, he needs just one goal or assist to become the 29th defenseman in NHL history to record 700 points. 

Already the most decorated defenseman in Penguins’ history, Letang can further cement his legacy when he joins the 700 point club. With he and the team playing so well, don’t be surprised if he hits the mark against New Jersey.

The Penguins and Devils face-off at 7:00 p.m. at PPG Paints Arena. 

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