The Pittsburgh Penguins are getting a solid rookie season out of Pierre Olivier Joseph. It’s been said a few times over since Tristan Jarry has been away from the Pittsburgh Penguins lineup, they can only go as far as he will take them. Given some of the other flaws surrounding the Penguins like an invisible bottom six and sagging defense, that’s a statement that will ring true all year. Sidney Crosby and company around the top two lines can do plenty for the team, but if Ron Hextall doesn’t do much to improve the problem areas, a lot of weight is going to fall on Jarry’s shoulders. It’s an important year for Jarry and it’s unfortunate the kind of injury luck he’s had; looking for a new contract, he hasn’t been able to prove his worth. The Penguins know he’s a reliable netminder who can steal wins, but there are two huge questions that continue to surround him. Can Jarry stay healthy? And, can he steal those wins in the postseason? Kevins Weekes on NHL Network said that if Jarry isn’t able to perform at 100%, then the Penguins pretty much have no chance. “If he’s not able to be at 100% coming down the back stretch, their Cup chances diminish.” All eyes are going to be on Jarry when he returns and is he’ll be able to stay healthy for the remainder of the season. If Jarry is in net at a regular rate, the Penguins have a much better chance of making the playoffs, then putting the ball in Hextall’s court to improve the lineup elsewhere. The questions regarding a new deal may have to be tabled until the offseason, but Jarry needs to prove his health, and maybe even steal a playoff series for the Penguins. Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins [http://insidethepenguins.com/]for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more! Ron Hextall Has to Sell First Round Pick to Improve Penguins [https://www.si.com/nhl/penguins/pens-talk/ron-hextall-sell-first-round-pick-improve-pittsburgh-penguins] Toughness Is Far From Penguins Biggest Issue [http://si.com/nhl/penguins/pens-talk/toughness-far-pittsburgh-penguins-biggest-issue] Sidney Crosby Stunned By First Career Game Misconduct [https://www.si.com/nhl/penguins/news/pittsburgh-penguins-sidney-crosby-stunned-first-career-game-misconduct] Tensions Rise in Penguins Blowout Loss to Kings [https://www.si.com/nhl/penguins/news/tensions-rise-pittsburgh-penguins-blowout-loss-los-angeles-kings] Kris Letang Returns to Penguins Lineup Against Kings [https://www.si.com/nhl/penguins/news/kris-letang-returns-pittsburgh-penguins-lineup-los-angeles-kings] * undefined * undefined
