The Pittsburgh Penguins continue their home-stand with a clash against the Colorado Avalanche.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are continuing to struggle out of the gate, dropping to a 2-4-0 record through six games. Punctuated by a Dallas Stars' drumming in their most recent matchup, the Penguins are seeking stop their three-game losing streak as they continue their home stand.

Their next opponent is the always dangerous and undefeated Colorado Avalanche. Here's what to watch for when the Pens and Avs meet at PPG Paints Arena.

1. Rust Rolls

After a down season last year, the Penguins are getting a bounce back start from forward Bryan Rust. He scored his fifth goal of the season in the loss against the Stars and he looks much like the Rust of old playing on the right side of Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel.

Rust's two-way play has remained elite as well, and he looks particularly effective pursuing the puck. While the team around him looks suspect, Rust looks to remain one of the few bright spots against the Avalanche.

2. Routing Rantanen

The Avalanche are a perfect 6-0-0 to begin the year, and they are achieving wins on the backs of their superstars. Leading the charge is the serially underrated Mikko Rantanen. He has an unreal five goals and 12 points in six games and looks unstoppable on the ice. 

The Penguins already have the daunting task of defending Nate MacKinnon and Cale Makar. Add Rantanen’s dominance to the equation and it’s clear if the Penguins want to win, they need keep him off the scoreboard. 

3. Defensive Carousel Continues

The Penguins' third pair defense is a revolving door at the moment. After the season began with P.O. Joseph and Chad Ruhwedel occupying that pairing, Joseph was quickly scratched in favor of rookie Ryan Shea. Shortly after, Ruhwedel was replaced with rookie John Ludvig.

Ludvig looked solid in his NHL debut, but was injured and unable to finish the game. Now Joseph and/or Ruhwedel will return to the lineup, and the third pairing turnover (both in terms of the lineup and puck possession) will continue. 

The Penguins and Avalanche meet for a 7:00 p.m. showdown at PPG Paints Arena.

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