Penguins Tap Blomqvist as Starter; Sullivan Admits Jarry Issues

CRANBERRY, PA Perhaps it is not a surprise, but the Pittsburgh Penguins will turn to rookie Joel Blomqvist in net Friday when the Penguins host the Carolina Hurricanes at PPG Paints Arena.

Goalie Tristan Jarrys struggles continued Wednesday when he allowed three goals in the first 11:33 of the game against the Buffalo Sabres.

The Penguins rallied to win 6-5 in overtime, including a late goal by Rickard Rakell with the extra attacker.

In the game, Sidney Crosby registered his 1600th point, and Evgeni Malkin scored his 500th goal.

Beyond the milestones was the goaliess performance.

While Jarry struggled, Blomqvist was sharp.

He stopped several breakaways and odd-man rushes as the Penguins defensive mistakes mounted and the team tried to erase their 3-1 deficit.

I think hes gotten progressively better with every start that hes had.

You know, we were really encouraged after his first start, the exhibition game in Buffalo, which wasnt the greatest experience.

We were so encouraged by how he reacted to that, coach Mike Sullivan said.

That (type of game) could potentially affect young goalies, their confidence, whatever it may be, but it certainly didnt with him.

He just went back to work, and hes gotten progressively better with every start.

So, hell start again Friday.

Sullivan also admitted Jarry is struggling.

Whereas he chided the media for overthinking the situation on Saturday in Montreal, theres no longer much confusion to question Jarrys spot as the No.

1 goalie.

Hes essentially lost his role and playing time until he reclaims it.

The team activated backup or 1A goalie Alex Nedeljkovic from injured reserve Thursday and assigned him to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins on a conditioning assignment.

Those assignments can last up to 14 days.

Obviously, we dont have Tristans best right now, but when you look at his body of work here in the years that hes been here, theres been significant aspects of his game that have been very strong, Sullivan said.

Part of our responsibility is to try to help (Jarry) capture his very best game.

And thats what were trying to do.

And so the seasons young, its early, and were going to do our best as a coaching staff to try to help (Jarry) get to his very best game.

This season, Jarry has struggled in two of his three starts, posting an .836 save percentage and a woeful 5.47 goals-against average.

In three appearances, Blomqvist has a .913 save percentage and 2.86 GAA.

Going back to last season, Jarry has started only three of the Penguins last 18 games.

Last season, Sullivan benched Jarry for the final 13 games, opting for Nedeljkovic as the Penguins were 8-1-3 in the 12 meaningful games before being eliminated before the final game of the season.

This article first appeared on Pittsburgh Hockey Now and was syndicated with permission..

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