Down the stretch of the season, the Pittsburgh Penguins stapled their starting goalie to the bench.
PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins took a leap of faith when they extended Tristan Jarry with a five-year contract. Jarry entered the 2023-24 season as an injury-riddled netminder who has the skill to be a starter but never found the proper levels of consistency.
When the games mattered most, those inconsistencies continued, and Jarry couldn’t help the Penguins in the biggest situations. Wrapping up the 2023-24 season, Jarry played in 51 games but notched a 19-25-5 record.
Jarry was pulled multiple times, and Alex Nedeljkovic stole the starting job down the stretch. Nedeljkovic made 13 straight starts for the Penguins as they battled for a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
In those 13 games, Jarry relieved Nedeljkovic twice yet still allowed three goals in 36:27 of ice time.
The Penguins ultimately missed the postseason, and during locker cleanout day, Jarry opened up about his season and the stretch that he wasn’t really a part of.
“It’s tough,” Jarry said. “You obviously want to be out there. You want to be battling with them. You want to be a part of it. The best thing that I could do in that situation was be a good teammate.”
Jarry understood why Nedeljkovic was getting so many starts in crucial games. Beyond the numbers, Nedeljkovic gave the Penguins the best chance of winning.
“He was playing so well,” Jarry said. “He was doing such a great job. I think in that position, you just have to support him.”
Even when Jarry wasn’t playing, he remained ready for when his name would be called upon next. Without many chances to improve his season, Jarry finished with a 2-8-1 record in his last 12 appearances.
While Jarry feels comfortable with his status within the organization, the Penguins coaching staff and front office may see things differently. Figure Nedeljkiovic got 13 straight starts, including a meaningless final game of the year.
Also, think about the rapid rise of Joel Blomqvist, who is expected to fight for NHL time next year.
The Penguins may have committed to Jarry for five years with his new contract, but seeing that trust evaporate after one season wouldn't be shocking.
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