Penguins Make The Switch To Jarry in Elimination Game

Facing elimination in their game against the Montreal Canadiens on Friday, the Pittsburgh Penguins are making a change in goal. The organization officially announced Friday morning that Tristan Jarry will start in game four. Matt Murray will sit after three lackluster performances.  

The Penguins are up against the ropes and the Candiens goaltender Carey Price has largely been the story for the Habs. Pittsburgh needs a spark to get them going in this best-of-five and they’re hoping Jarry is that spark.

Coach Sullivan said about the decision to give Jarry a shot in a criticial game:

“His practice habits have drastically improved. It’s just part of the maturation process. He’s much more mature in his daily approach. Every day, his work habits in practice have been terrific. All year, consistent..

I think that transfers to a game environment. Tristan deserves a lot of credit for how hard he’s worked his game and where he’s at today. He’s a real good goalie.”

Tristan Jarry will get the start in net for Game 4. pic.twitter.com/Mkb1L5wM2U

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) August 7, 2020

This Could Be It For Murray

Regardless of the outcome in this game, Murray could have seen his last run with the Penguins in net. There is certainly a sense he did not deliver in a time when the Penguins needed him and when a spotlight was being shined on the goaltending situation for the organization.

Both Jarry and Murray are restricted free agents at the end of this season and the belief by some is that the team can’t afford to keep both goaltenders. With Murray’s less-than-stellar showing, if Jarry performs well, the Penguins may see him as the future in goal for the franchise. Even if the Penguins lose, the question marks that will surrounding paying Murray to stay will exist.

Jarry will easily be the less expensive of the two netminders and a tighter salary cap situation for the entire league next season creates the need to make some difficult decisions.

The Penguins will play an elimination game today against the Montreal Canadiens at 2 PM MT.

Next: Loss of Laine and Scheifele Too Much For Jets, Flames Win Series In Four