Penguins Coach Mike Sullivan Makes Bold Decision with Starter Pick for Hurricanes Clash
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire - USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan is starting rookie goalie Joel Blomqvist in a non-back-to-back situation for the second time this season.
The decision was made in the midst of Tristan Jarry's major struggles. According to Evolving-Hockey, the veteran ranks close to the bottom of the league in terms of goals saved above expected (minus-2.67) and goals saved above average (minus-4.27), with an .836 save percentage and 5.47 goals against average over three appearances. In his most recent appearance, Jarry was pulled against the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday after giving up three goals on five shots in the first period.
Sullivan stated that "the Penguins aren't giving up on Jarry" in spite of his difficult journey.
"So obviously, we don't have Tristan's best right now," he said. "But when you look at his body of work here in the years that he's been here, there's been a significant aspect of his game that has been very strong. Part of our responsibility is to try to help (Jarry)."
Jarry has a four-year contract that includes a $5.375 million cap hit. A 12-team no-trade list is also part of his contract. There were rumors that the Penguins had made Jarry available for a trade that failed.
In contrast, Blomqvist has been a welcome addition to the Penguins' crease. In relief on Wednesday, he was outstanding, making 26 saves on 28 shots to help Pittsburgh defeat the Sabres 6-5 in overtime. He has an identical save percentage of .906 in both of his starts thus far.
"He's gotten progressively better with every start that he's gotten," the bench boss explained ahead of Friday's clash against the Carolina Hurricanes, per NHL.com's Wes Crosby. "So he's obviously a quality goaltender, and he's playing extremely well right now."
Nedeljkovic is also anticipated to return soon to the Penguins. Due to a lower-body injury, he has yet to play in an NHL game this season; however, on Thursday, he was activated off injured reserve and sent to the AHL for a conditioning assignment.
Since January 17, 2016, the Penguins have played 27 games against the Hurricanes overall, going 14-8-5. Pittsburgh is 3-0-2 and has points in five straight home games against Carolina. Further back in time, the Penguins have a 9-4-2 home record against the Hurricanes since January 17, 2016.
| POLL | ||
18 OCTOBRE | 106 ANSWERS Penguins Coach Mike Sullivan Makes Bold Decision with Starter Pick for Hurricanes Clash Do you think Tristan Jarry will find his form? | ||
| Yes | 28 | 26.4 % |
| No | 78 | 73.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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