Goalie Competition Will Guide Penguins to Playoffs
The Pittsburgh Penguins have healthy competition between their goalies and it should lead to success.
PITTSBURGH – For a number of seasons, it’s become commonplace for there to be some sort of goalie controversy surrounding the Pittsburgh Penguins. Whether it’s a starter losing his role or the fanbase calling for a completely new tandem, the Penguins are familiar with tough goalie decisions.
2023-24 has brought something new to Pittsburgh, however, and that’s both goalies carrying healthy competition and pushing each other to be better netminders. Tristan Jarry and Alex Nedeljkovic at points have looked like one of the best duos in the NHL and helped push the Penguins on the cusp of a playoff spot.
Nedeljkovic joined the Penguins on a one-year deal and is hoping to gain stability again as an NHL starter. He acknowledges that the healthy competition between he and Jarry only makes them better players for the team.
“We’re pushing each other to be better,” Nedeljkovic said. “Trying to do our best to give these guys a chance to win every night.”
The last few outings haven’t been fantastic from either Jarry or Nedeljkovic, but there is belief they’ve rebounded from those tough games.
“It was a little hairy there in Boston and [against] Washington,” Nedeljkovic said. “Those nights happen. I think we were both able to bounce back pretty well.”
Against the Boston Bruins, Nedeljkovic allowed five goals, but the Penguins found a way to come out on top; the previous game against the Washington Capitals, Jarry was pulled after allowing three goals in the opening period.
Jarry’s first start following his pulling saw him make 29 saves but the Penguins just couldn’t get him any offensive help.
“He had a great game against Buffalo,” Nedeljkovic said. “Just one of those nights the puck didn’t want to go in for us.”
The Penguins understand that they are still sitting outside of a playoff spot, and the netminders are taking it upon themselves to help lead the way. If Jarry and Nedeljkovic can get back to a consistent level of play, the Penguins could be back in postseason positioning in no time.
“We’re in a tough spot right now,” Nedeljkovic said. “We’re not in a playoff spot, we’re chasing. We’ve been chasing all year. We got to be at our best every night… to give us a chance to win.”
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