The NHL has “paused” its season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is unclear if it will resume. So, with one eye still on the future, the Post-Gazette’s Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo are looking back at what each Penguins player did in 2019-20. We started with the captain, No. 87, and will count down by jersey number.
Tristan Jarry in 2019-20 carried the Penguins through another November swoon for Matt Murray, played in his first All-Star Game in January and was still among the NHL’s top eight in save percentage when the league shut down in March.
Not bad for a guy whose spot on the squad seemed uncertain in September.
Jarry was the subject of trade speculation over the summer, something the Penguins have never publicly disputed. They did not get a trade offer they felt was worth taking and hung onto the 2013 second-round pick, having him battle Casey DeSmith in training camp and the preseason for the backup goaltender gig.
Jarry didn’t exactly seize that opportunity. But with the Penguins bumping their beaks on the salary-cap ceiling, DeSmith was the one sent down to the American Hockey League. Afterward, Jim Rutherford and Mike Sullivan both acknowledged that factors beyond performance played into that decision.
Man, it sure feels like all that happened about four years ago, doesn’t it?
Anyway, Jarry proved he belonged in the NHL. He was sharp early despite playing once every week or two. Then when Murray struggled, he stepped up and carried the load. In December, Jarry set a franchise record for the longest shutout streak and was named one of the NHL’s “Three Stars” for the month.
After allowing 14 total goals in nine December starts, eight of them wins, Jarry cooled off in the 2020 calendar year. He went 7-7-1 with a .901 save percentage after Jan 1., opening the door for Murray to reclaim the net. Murray looked to be on the verge of doing that when the NHL suspended play March 12.
But even if Jarry, one way or another, doesn’t face another shot the rest of this season, the quiet 24-year-old took a giant leap forward in 2019-20.
Jarry’s first season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton was back in 2015-16. As is the case with many goaltending prospects, it took him quite a while to develop.
His athleticism and ability to impact games with his nonchalant stickhandling has long been apparent. But after he struggled with concentration and consistency in the past, his improved practice habits the past two years paid off.
With the AHL in his rearview mirror, Jarry is eyeing an opportunity to be a starter at the NHL level. But with Murray still here and Jarry under contractual control for at least another year, he is probably going to have to remain patient.
DEFINING MOMENT: In December, Jarry went 177 minutes, 15 seconds without allowing a goal. During that streak, he made 26 saves, including a few beauties, in a 2-0 shutout of the Arizona Coyotes in Phil Kessel’s first game back in the ’Burgh. That looked to be the match that ignited his scorching December.
STAT THAT STANDS OUT: Jarry made 31 starts this season. He allowed more than three goals in only five of them, giving the Penguins a chance most nights.
IF THE SEASON RESUMES: He’d likely have to take a backseat to Murray. Sullivan rotated both goalies in February and March, hoping one would emerge as a go-to guy. That didn’t happen. If Game 1 of the playoffs were tomorrow, you’d have to think Sullivan would go with the guy who helped him win two Cups.
LONG-TERM OUTLOOK: Jarry will be a restricted free agent this summer. Ditto for Murray. Jarry, with just 33 NHL starts the past two seasons, doesn’t have a lot of leverage, unless another team tries to poach him. Big picture, the Penguins must decide if they want to commit to one goalie long-term and deal the other or kick that can down the road another year. Given that Rutherford is perpetually in win-now mode, don’t rule out them bringing both guys back in 2020-21.
Matt Vensel: mvensel@post-gazette.com and Twitter @mattvensel.
First Published: April 10, 2020, 2:00 p.m.