Pittsburgh Review

Tristan Jarry has returned to the Pittsburgh Penguins after a conditioning stint with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in the American Hockey League. Initially, Jarry was scheduled to play five games for the minor-league team over two weeks to regain his form following a difficult start to the season.

Jarry acknowledged that his initial performances were not as expected, stating, “Obviously, the first couple games up here didn't go the way that I wanted.” He emphasized the importance of refining his game during this period and playing consistently.

Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan noted Jarry's impressive performance in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, where he achieved a 4-1 record with a 2.16 goals-against average and .926 save percentage. Sullivan said it met their expectations for Jarry’s development.

Before heading to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Jarry consulted with Penguins president of hockey operations and GM Kyle Dubas. They agreed on the need for consecutive games to regain momentum. Despite challenges like relocating temporarily, Jarry viewed it as part of his professional responsibilities.

Jarry is now focused on maintaining this progress back in Pittsburgh. “I want to come back here and I want to play well,” he stated, emphasizing his commitment to contributing positively to the team.

To support this goal, Jarry has been working closely with goalie coaches Andy Chiodo, Jon Elkin, and Kain Tisi. Dubas highlighted that consistent performance is crucial for Jarry’s success given his talent and past achievements.

While Jarry was away, Alex Nedeljkovic and Joel Blomqvist took on goaltending duties for Pittsburgh. Nedeljkovic had secured a contract extension but faced setbacks due to an injury early in the season. Meanwhile, Blomqvist made significant strides in his NHL debut season.

The Penguins are confident in their current trio of goaltenders as they navigate upcoming games. Sullivan remarked on managing playing time effectively: “At the end of the day, performance is always going to be the dictator.”

Sullivan also noted that having three capable goalies provides flexibility and allows them to determine who best supports their winning chances: “That…is what pro sports is all about.”