Penguins Ready For Two Goalies To Step Up, Take Over In Net

The Pittsburgh Penguins are trying to get on track this season and it starts between the pipes.

Pittsburgh is off to an uneven start through the first seven games of their season, putting together a 3-4-1 record. Their biggest problem thus far has been goaltending, as the trio of Tristan Jarry, Alex Nedeljkovic, and Joel Blomqvist have allowed the most goals in the NHL — with the Penguins letting up 35 goals against.

Penguins president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas spoke to the media Wednesday to share his thoughts on the three netminders, stressing that it’s an open competition to take over the two goalie spots on the team and they’re ready for two of them to step up.

“These guys, their whole lives as goalies, look for this chance,” Dubas said, as transcribed by Penguins team reporter Michelle Crechiolo. “No one has really grabbed the ball to start to run with it, and we need two of them to do so. I think everyone’s been aware of the struggles that Tristan’s had. He’s owned them publicly as well. We need to do right by him with getting him on the right track for better or worse. This does happen with goalies in the league that go on to find their way back and have very successful, long careers. It’s how they handle this stretch that will define it, and that’s what we’re looking forward to from Tristan. Joel, I think, as a younger guy has come in and he’s had some very good nights that have given us a chance to win, and now Alex is back as well. So, it’s a competition, and it’s a massive opportunity.”

Blomqvist has been the best of the trio through seven games, playing in four and recording a 3.16 goals against average (GAA) and a .908 save percentage. As Dubas noted, it’s been a real struggle for Jarry through three games as he has a 5.47 GAA and a .836 save percentage. Nedeljkovic, who has only played in two games, has had a tough time too with a 3.86 GAA and a .869 save percentage.

The next chance for Pittsburgh to figure out their goalie situation will be on Friday when they face the Edmonton Oilers on the road. Puck drop is set for 9 p.m. EST.

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