The Pittsburgh Penguins take on a former star for the first time since the trade deadline.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Penguins dropped another contest, continuing their dismal month of March. Dropping to an even 30-30-10 record, the remaining 12 games of the Penguin season should be for preserving their pride and evaluating talent for next season.

Their next matchup should be just as challenging as their most recent loss, as Jake Guentzel and the Carolina Hurricanes come to town. Here's what to watch for as Pittsburgh battles Carolina.

1. P.O. Joseph Earning Role

One of the Penguins with the most to prove for the remainder of the season is defenseman P.O. Joseph. It's been a letdown of a year for Joseph, who many expected to take another step in his development. However, he's looked much improved since re-entering the lineup in mid-February. 

Joseph has looked even more like a top-four defender over the last handful of games, and it's no coincidence his ice time has jumped from 11 to 19 minutes per game. Playing alongside Kris Letang seemingly unlocks another level to Joseph's game. He has points in back-to-back games, including his first goal of the season in the team's loss to the Colorado Avalanche. Joseph will look to keep playing extended minutes and show that he can be an important piece moving forward. 

2. Guentzel Returns to Pittsburgh

The Penguins and Hurricanes combined for the biggest trade of the 2024 NHL deadline when Guentzel was sent to Carolina in exchange for Michael Bunting and others. Both players are fitting in seamlessly with their new teams. Bunting has six points in nine games with Pittsburgh, and Guentzel is on his usual elite scoring pace. In eight games with the Hurricanes, Jake has two goals and 12 points. 

While both players are finding success, the Penguins are deeply missing their former superstar. Guentzel's arrival has made the Canes a Stanley Cup favorite. While Bunting is a quality player, he's not the caliber of Guentzel. The Pittsburgh faithful should welcome the beloved forward back with a warm reception as he faces off against his former team. 

3. Puljujarvi Improving Slowly

Another player the Penguins hope to see more out of is forward Jesse Puljujarvi. Patience has been the keyword for him this season, as the Penguins have given him ample time to recover from hip surgery and ease back into the NHL again.

Coming in and out of the lineup, Puljujarvi's game is finding some consistency despite only appearing in five games in March. In his most recent outing, he was aggressive on the puck and assertive around the net and was rewarded with his second goal of the season.

While injuries to Jeff Carter and Noel Acciari, plus salary cap constraints, are limiting the organization's ability to bring up more offensive reinforcements, Puljujarvi is giving them 10 solid minutes a night. His style of play will be counted upon against the Hurricanes if the Penguins are to sneak away with a victory. 

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

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