The Pittsburgh Penguins take on the St. Louis Blues looking for a better effort.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have had an up-and-down start to their season. After a recent defeat against a hungrier and younger Detroit team, the Penguins are still looking to establish consistency throughout the lineup. Their next challenge comes against another youthful but ambitious organization. Here's what to watch for as the Pens take on the St. Louis Blues.

1. Karlsson Emerges

It only took four games for Erik Karlsson to show off why he's a multi-time Norris Trophy winning defender. In the Penguins latest game, he netted an impressive goal and added two assists for his 10th three point outing since last season. 

Despite the loss, the game was undoubtedly a coming out party for the Penguins’ newest defender. He needs to continue this level of play while the rest of the team figures it out.

2. Season Debuts

The Penguins need an early infusion of offense for their third and fourth lines. After waiving forward Jansen Harkins, the team called up Radim Zohorna from the AHL. 

Zohorna was a preseason standout, but couldn’t quite clinch a roster spot with the big club to begin the year. He has skill, is more than willing to shoot the puck, and has an underrated playmaking ability. While the depth lines continue to look for answers, Zohorna is next in line to make an impact against the Blues. 

On defense, the team looks ready to make a change as well. In practice, P.O. Joseph was replaced by Ryan Shea on the third pairing. If the lineup holds, Shea will make his season and NHL debut for the Penguins. 

3. Can Jarry Bounce Back? 

Tristan Jarry had a tough go against the Red Wings, allowing four goals on 31 shots and looking generally lackluster in the defeat. The team in front didn’t fare much better, but there’s no denying their goaltender failed to bail them out. 

This next game against the Blues is a true test of where the netminder is at. The Penguins are counting on him to be a dependable number one option, and dependable starters bounce back after difficult losses. Jarry needs to have a strong start to reset and steal a win for his team. 

The Penguins and Blues face-off at 8:00pm. 

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