The Pittsburgh Penguins are getting an instant impact from their trade acquisition.

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Penguins are sinking toward playoff elimination well before postseason play begins. After laying an egg in Dallas, the Penguins must face another Stanley Cup contender in the Colorado Avalanche.

These two squads are always an entertaining matchup, especially with the friendly rivalry between superstars Sidney Crosby and Nathan Mackinnon. Looking to stay relevant to the postseason conversation and get back in the win column, here's what to watch for between the Penguins and Avalanche. 

1. Bunting Making a Difference

Michael Bunting is leaving quite the impression early into his Penguins' tenure. Playing alongside Evgeni Malkin and seeing first power play time, Bunting is providing exactly the type of physical pressure and net front determination the team has been missing. Bunting's been rewarded for his hard work play, too.

Bunting has five points in his past five games and has three goals in eight games since being acquired. With the Pens' backs against the wall, Bunting's number will continue to be called to provide a much-needed dirty goal. 

2. MVP Mackinnon

The Avalanche have an excellent chance to win the Stanley Cup this year. They also have a very high chance that one of their stars takes home the Hart Trophy. Nathan Mackinnon is having a banner year, entering this contest with 43 goals and 119 points on the season. Currently second in the NHL's scoring race, he's neck and neck with Nikita Kucherov and Connor McDavid for both the Art Ross and Hart Trophies. 

MacKinnon has had no trouble scoring against the Penguins either, and that should continue in this upcoming matchup. While he was pointless in the team's first contest this season, Mackinnon has 18 points in 19 career games versus Pittsburgh. There's no doubt that he rises to the occasion when facing his buddy, Sidney Crosby. Facing the struggling Penguins, the other pride of Cole Harbour is poised for a huge Sunday afternoon performance. 

3. Goaltending Woes 

The goaltending in Pittsburgh was the team's saving grace as they fell further out of the playoff conversation. Recently, however, it seems the Penguins' goaltending has completely fallen off. No matter if Tristan Jarry or Alex Nedeljkovic are in net, it feels certain the Penguins are going to give up at least three goals.

Jarry has especially struggled in March, giving up 35 goals this month. He's been pulled from the crease three times in March, exceeding his win total in that period.

With Jarry faltering and Ned failing to provide relief as the backup, goaltending has quickly become another problem area for Pittsburgh. Putting that up to the test against a loaded Avalanche team could prove problematic for whichever Penguins goaltender gets the nod. 

The Penguins and Avalanche face off at 2:00 p.m. at Ball Arena.

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