The Pittsburgh Penguins take on the Ottawa Senators looking to snap their three game losing streak.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are fresh off of one of their most embarrassing losses of the season against the New York Rangers. The 6-0 defeat handed the Penguins their third straight loss, and put them dangerously close to falling outside of a playoff position. The next challenge comes against a hungry Ottawa Senators team that is on the playoff bubble. Here's what to watch for as the Pens meet the Sens for the final time this season. 

1. Jake Guentzel Lighting Lamp

Jake Guentzel is leading the Pittsburgh Penguins in goals this season, with 30 on the year. This is Guentzel's third 30 goal season in Pittsburgh, and he's been one of the league's most overlooked offensive superstars over the past four seasons. He's been on fire of late, with four goals and six points in his last five games. The Penguins need Guentzel to keep his hot scoring streak if they want to end their current losing streak. 

2. Giroux Still Going

The Senators are led by a group of young, exciting players like Brady Tkachuk, Tim Stutlze, and newcomer Jakob Chychrun. Their third leading scorer, however, is the 35 year-old veteran, Claude Giroux. 

Giroux is approaching the 1,000 point plateau, with 990 points entering this contest against the Penguins. He's been rejuvenated by his move north of the border, with 67 points in 69 games in his first season in Ottawa. The Senators rely on his veteran leadership and power play specialties to help compliment their youthful core. The Pens will need to lock down Giroux, in addition to the rest of Ottawa's high-octane offense, if they want to leave this game with a win.

3. Trade Deadline Duds

The Penguins made several moves before the trade deadline, acquiring forwards Nick Bonino and Mikael Granlund, and defenseman Dmitri Kulikov. The moves were conservative ones, relative to the big swings taken by other teams, including the Senators for Chychrun. The early results have reflected that conservative mindset.

Granlund is the only one to play in each game since being acquired. Bonino and Kulikov are both currently on the long-term injured reserve. Despite being in the lineup, Granlund has been fine but ineffective. He has only two points in eight games. The Pens need more from him and this game against the Senators is a great chance for Granlund to step up. 

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

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