The Pittsburgh Penguins start the home stretch of the season against the Florida Panthers.

The NHL trade deadline has passed and the final leg of the NHL season is here for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Arguments can be had one way or the other if general manager Ron Hextall did enough to improve the Penguins, but they still have games to play.

That all starts tonight when they take on the Florida Panthers, another team vying for one of those two wild card spots that will be up for grabs down the stretch.

March is historically a successful month for the Penguins and they look to continue that trend, and extend their winning streak to five games.

Here are three things to watch when the Penguins and Panthers square off.

Post Deadline Lineup

Hextall added Mikael Granlund and Nick Bonino for bottom six help and Dmitry Kulikov for more depth on the blue line.

While everyone has already seen a game out of Granlund in back and gold, it will be interesting to see where head coach Mike Sullivan slots in Bonino and Kulikov.

Bonino is likely the new fourth line center with the dealing of Teddy Blueger, but where does Kulikov fit and who’s getting taken out of the lineup?

Is someone like Brian Dumoulin or P.O. Joseph on their way out of the lineup with a healthy scratch?

Or, will everyone have to wait for Kulikov's Penguins debut?

Bonino Bonino Bonino Returns

The vibes are immaculate with Bonino returning to the Steel City, but fans need to know now he’s not the same player.

Bonino is a step slower and definitely a few years older, and will be filling a different role with this Penguins lineup.

At 34-years-old, Bonino is likely taking over as the fourth line center and will be utilized plenty when killing penalties.

There may not be an offensive touch coming from Bonino, but it’s always fun seeing an old fan favorite come back to town.

Playing with guts

The Penguins as a whole have struggled at various moments throughout the season; they’re not too far removed from their third lengthy losing streak of the season.

While currently riding a four-game winning streak, the Penguins have proven that they can play with a lot of guts.

Multiple, if not all of the wins during the current winning streak has been good character wins.

The Penguins are going to need more of those down the stretch as fans continue to grow anxious about the season and the front office.

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

Penguins See Marginal Improvements After Trade Deadline

Ron Hextall Had No Plan to Move Penguins Defensemen at Deadline

Penguins Acquire Dmitry Kulikov from Ducks

Penguins Re-Assign Drew O'Connor, Drake Caggiula to AHL

Mikael Granlund Impresses in Penguins Debut

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