The Pittsburgh Penguins are looking to keep their season alive as they head to New Jersey.

PITTSBURGH -- After pulling out a victory in a must-win game, the Pittsburgh Penguins are still in the playoff hunt. It seems as unlikely as ever, given how poorly the team has played, but they are still within just five points of a playoff berth. After their huge victory, the Penguins have a chance to shake up the standings. Here’s what to watch as the Penguins battle the New Jersey Devils.

1. Bunting Settling In

While he certainly is not Jake Guentzel, the Penguins should be thrilled with the play of Michael Bunting. He has two goals and three points in six games since arriving in Pittsburgh, and looks like he can play on either of the first two lines. 

What Bunting brings the most of to Pittsburgh is a hard-nosed attitude and net front presence. Head coach Mike Sullivan even described him as having shades of former fan favorite Patric Hornqvist. The Penguins certainly need more of that type of player, and in another must-win game, can Bunting continue settling in and contributing?

2. Hughes Brothers in Sync

The Devils may be on the outside looking in on the playoff picture, but they have one of the most exciting core of talents in the NHL. Leading the group are two of the Hughes brothers, Jack and Luke. 

Jack Hughes is a gamebreaker and an MVP-caliber type of forward. He has 63 points in 52 games. He is doing all he can to will his team to the playoffs. 

His younger brother Luke is having a sensational rookie season in his own right. He’s undoubtedly a Calder Trophy finalist, leading all rookie defenders in goals scored with eight and second in points with 33. If the Penguins want to beat the Devils in New Jersey, they’ll have to keep the Hughes Brothers off the scoresheet. 

3. Third Line Finding Chemistry?

Depth scoring has been one of the Penguins' biggest issues this season. Over the past few games, the team’s third line suddenly looks dangerous. The combination of Lars Eller, Reilly Smith, and Valtteri Puustinen is producing and building chemistry with each passing game. Eller has five points in the last three games, Smith has four, and Puustinen has three. With the finishing abilities the line is displaying, they are providing what no previous version of this line could: scoring. 

Every remaining matchup is a potential elimination game for the Penguins. To earn two points in their next game, the Pens must get more production from the new-look bottom six.  

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

Penguins Send Defenseman Back to AHL

Insider: Penguins Open to Trading Erik Karlsson

Report: Penguins Looking to Extend Sidney Crosby

Big Win Boosts Penguins Playoff Odds

Sidney Crosby Ready to Lead Penguins to Playoffs

• undefined
• undefined