Penguins lingering goalie problem inches closer to resolution
Help may soon be on the way for the Pittsburgh Penguins who have dealt with inconsistent play at goal from Tristan Jarry to start the 2024-2025 season.
The Pittsburgh Penguins may soon gain a valuable reinforcement at the goalie position. The team announced Thursday that it activated veteran goalie Alex Nedeljkovic from injured reserve. Nedeljkovic missed the opening of the season with a lower-body injury.
Nedeljkovic will fulfill a conditioning assignment with the AHL's Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins before rejoining the team.
The Penguins have activated goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic from Injured Reserve and assigned him to @WBSPenguins (AHL) on a conditioning loan. pic.twitter.com/EKhGZXIM7X
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 17, 2024
In Nedeljkovic's absence, the team has relied on Tristan Jarry and Joel Blomqvist. Jarry has struggled and was pulled from Wednesday's game against the Sabres after Buffalo jumped out to a 3-0 lead. With Blomqvist at goal, the Penguins ultimately won the game 6-5 in overtime.
What is happening with Tristan Jarry?
On Wednesday night, Jarry gave up two goals on two Buffalo shots at goal within the first two minutes of the game. Sloppy play and slow movement were described as the issues Jarry dealt with before being pulled.
In his ninth year with the Penguins, Jarry has allowed 12 goals in three games on 72 shots for an 83.3% save percentage in his three starts and 131 minutes. It is shocking given his 2023-2024 season was among the 29-year-old's best with six recorded shutouts and a 90.3% save percentage.
Blomqvist has been a surprise. In his two starts, the rookie has saved 84 of 92 shots giving up 8 goals in 167 minutes. He has a 91.3% save percentage.
Jarry's level of play is the Penguins' biggest problem right now. With Nedeljkovic hopefully returning soon, the Penguins will get consistent play at goal and may have an interesting decision to make on Jarry and Blomqvist's statuses.
Assuming Joel Blomqvist continues to play well, and Tristan Jarry’s struggles persist, it’s going to be extremely interesting what the #Penguins do, whenever Alex Nedeljkovic is activated
— Jason Shetler (@Jason_Shetler) October 17, 2024
Meanwhile, the 3-2 Penguins have to make a more immediate decision on who to start at goal on Friday night October 18 in the home game against the Carolina Hurricanes. Will they go with Jarry or Blomqvist?