Oilers Make Surprise Goalie Choice as McDavid Meets Crosby, Penguins

The Edmonton Oilers will host the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday night as Sidney Crosby comes into town and the Connor McDavid vs. Crosby match-up takes center stage. Stuart Skinner is returning to Edmonton, but will not play in goal. However, the Oilers have gone with an interesting choice in their own net, giving Tristan Jarry his third start in six nights.

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Jarry is returning from injury, and head coach Kris Knoblauch said the team would ease him back into the lineup. He posted a shutout versus the Vancouver Canucks on January 17, then played a solid game in a loss to the New Jersey Devils on January 20. This will be his third start in six nights, which feels like a lot for Jarry, especially given that the Oilers have both Connor Ingram and Calvin Pickard available.

Jarry is 4-1-1, with a 2.48 goals against average and a .904 save percentage since joining the Oilers. It’s not as though he’s undeserving of the start. This is just about load management and keeping him fresh. If he’s playing again, it can only mean he’s feeling great.

The Oilers (25-18-8) sit second in the Pacific and enter the game following a 2-1 loss to New Jersey. They are powered by the NHL’s top-ranked power play at 32.6 percent but are still missing Leon Draisaitl and possibly Kasperi Kapanen (though he was on the ice for the optional skate).

Pittsburgh (24-14-11) is third in the Metro after a 4–1 win in Calgary and boasts stronger defensive metrics, including a better goals-against rate and penalty kill.

Edmonton holds the edge offensively, led by Connor McDavid. The Penguins will be going with Arturs Silovs.

Next: Why Jonathan Toews Is Suddenly a Name to Watch for the Oilers