This season has been the worst season of Tristan Jarry‘s career. In eight starts, he has a record of 3-3-1, a save percentage of .881, and a goals against average of 3.88. In order to allow Jarry to regain his confidence and get going again, the Penguins sent him to the AHL with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Penguins for a brief conditioning stint.
With the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Penguins, he played much better as expected. In five games, he had a record of 4-1 with a .926 save percentage and a 2.16 goals against average. Since returning from the AHL, Jarry has appeared in five games for Pittsburgh. In that span, he has a record of 2-2-1.
Jarry’s problems are still evident as he gets beat early and glove side. In four of his eight starts this season, Jarry has allowed a goal on his first shot which is obviously not good. Despite getting the win over the Boston Bruins, he also allowed a goal on the Bruins second shot. Jarry if he wants to end his cold streak and poor play, he needs to be able to start off hot.
Is Tristan Jarry Getting Hot?
It might have not kicked in right away, but Jarry is starting to look like his former self again. Jarry’s win against the Bruins on Friday made it the first time Jarry has won consecutive starts since February 25th and 27th. Meaning you would have to look back to last season since Jarry has won two consecutive starts.
Despite making it close after a near third period collapse on Wednesday, the Penguins defeated the Vancouver Canucks 5-4. Jarry stopped 25 of 29 shots which was good enough to get the victory.
However, the victory against the Bruins on Friday was a more dominant game from Jarry. Despite allowing a weak goal on their second shot, it was still the only goal he allowed all game. He stopped 31 of 32 shots and even had some incredible and acrobatic saves. Unlike other games this season, Jarry’s positioning was much better allowing him to make some of the saves he did.
Wins over both the Bruins and Canucks who are both good teams should be a good confidence booster for both Jarry and the Penguins who are having a bad season thus far. The Penguins will look to continue their winning streak as they take on the Calgary Flames on Saturday night. However, Tristan Jarry’s next start might come on Tuesday night against the defending champion Florida Panthers.
Can A Hot Penguins Team Still Make The Playoffs?
Despite being tied for last in the Metropolitan Division, it is currently unlikely the Penguins will make the playoffs. However, with just 57 games left and only three points out of a playoff spot, anything is possible. Especially when the Penguins have Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang, the Penguins are truly never eliminated until it is official.
New Penguin Phillip Tomasino made an impact and had his Penguin moment as he had the game-winning goal against the Boston Bruins off of a great pass from Malkin. If the Penguins can improve their defense and goaltending and maybe make another trade or two as the trade deadline approaches, anything is possible. Also, as you can see from previous years, the Penguins are generally a better team in the second half of the season.
Jarry will have to be the anchor and be solid down the stretch in order for that to happen. Hopefully, Jarry’s two game hot streak is more permanent and not just a streak. The Penguins are going to need him to start playing better either wise extending him was a huge mistake.
Main Photo: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
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