Tristan Jarry: Finding Growth in Penguins’ Loss to the Florida Panthers

The Pittsburgh Penguins are facing their fourth consecutive loss, a troubling trend that’s rapidly dragging them to the bottom of the Metropolitan Division.

This downturn is quickly turning into every Pittsburgh Penguins fan’s worst nightmare: the looming threat of missing the NHL Playoffs… again.

Their recent 3-1 defeat at the hands of the Florida Panthers is a stark indicator of the extensive work needed, ideally addressed in the pre-season and off-season. However, according to Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry, the team is experiencing growing pains, a sentiment he expressed to the media following their Friday night loss.

Tristan Jarry Focused on ‘Growing’

Jarry spoke with the media with a level of candor, reflecting on the team’s performance:

"“I think we started well, and I thought we controlled a good part of the game. Obviously, the score didn’t turn out in our favor, but I think we played pretty well. We just have to keep going and keep growing, and I think we’ll be better for it.”"

Jarry acknowledges the Penguins’ strong starts, a recurring theme this season. However, it’s the subsequent collapses, a topic we’ve delved into in past months, that continue to plague the team. His reference to the team ‘growing’ might not sit well with many Penguins fans, especially at this critical juncture of the season.

Yet, considering his comments alongside Crosby’s post-Lightning game remarks, it’s evident the team is acutely aware of its weaknesses. The pressing issue is how to rectify these problems swiftly before the season slips away.

With December already upon us, time is running out. For the Penguins to secure a playoff spot, these ‘growing pains’ need to resolve—and quickly.

What’s Next for the Penguins?

The Pittsburgh Penguins are gearing up for a faceoff against the Arizona Coyotes. This matchup, scheduled for December 12th, 2023, at 7 PM EST at the PPG Paints Arena, is more than just another game on the calendar—it’s a critical chance for the Penguins to bolster their home record of 5-6-1. Currently standing at 11-12-3 overall, the team is eager to turn the tide with a strong win.

Key to their strategy is Jake Guentzel, whose exceptional form this season has been a highlight. With 29 points, including 10 goals and 19 assists, Guentzel’s impact on the ice is undeniable. His scoring prowess will be crucial for the Penguins’ offensive efforts. Another linchpin in their strategy is Sidney Crosby, who has racked up an impressive 15 goals this season, two of which came from power plays, along with a total of 99 shots.

In the net, Tristan Jarry’s contributions can’t be overlooked. With 8 wins and a .917 save percentage, his goaltending will be a significant factor in the game’s outcome. This upcoming fixture is not just a regular season game; it’s a true test of the Penguins’ resilience and their capacity to rebound from recent setbacks.