PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It ended up a 2-1 shootout loss to Dallas, but something you might not have thought you would hear again in Pittsburgh after last post-season. Spontaneous cheers ‘Jarry, Jarry’ for the Pens netminder who struggled a few months ago in the playoffs.
“Everybody feels good for him,” said Pens head coach Mike Sullivan. “Everybody understands the position that he is in. Whenever the crowd gets behind our guys, it gives the whole bench a boost. Not to mention that particular player. I’m sure he was very appreciative of it.”
“I think the fans play a huge role in the game and the outcome,” Jarry said deflecting any attention directly on himself. “I think they keep us in it. They do a great job every night bringing their all. I think that motivates us to bring our all every game.”
Jarry made 28 saves in a game with no power play opportunities, only a four-on four for two minutes of the third. The 26-year-old gave up a pair in the shootout.
“I thought he had a strong game,” Sullivan said. “I watch his body language a lot. You can learn a lot from a player’s body language. When you are around him as much as I am. You can really understand their body language. I think his body language right now exudes confidence.”
“He’s seeing the puck. He’s tracking the puck. His goalie handles when he goes out for pucks are improving every game he plays. That’s certainly a positive sign. I thought he made some timely saves.”
“My game has just been growing every game,” Jarry said. “I’ve been getting more confident. I think that’s helped working with (goalie coach) Andy (Chiodo) and Casey (DeSmith) and the coaching staff. I think we’ve done a great job with practice on what to prioritize. I think that’s helped a lot.”
No Penalties
For those who love fundamentally sound hockey, that’s what you saw Tuesday night. There were no power plays for either team.
“I didn’t find myself saying ‘this was a penalty, that’s a penalty’,” Sullivan said. “I thought both teams played hard. There was some physical play. I thought for the most part the officials did a real nice job in terms of how they officiated the game. I didn’t find myself behind the bench getting frustrated with non-calls or things of that nature.”
Marino quick start
Struggling at times after a big contract last season, John Marino is currently top five in points among defensemen, granted the first week of the season.
Marino scored at 5:25 of the second period to tie the game putting home a rebound off a Brock McGinn shot.
The 24-year-old Marino has points in every game, he didn’t have a point in more than two consecutive games all of last season.
“Sticking to your game, playing simple,” Marino said. “Everyone is buying in, too. Everyone is playing well. You are not going to have the same production without your teammates. They’ve been great too.”
“We just don’t want him to force it and I don’t think he has, for the most part he’s been pretty good that way,” Sullivan said. “When there is that element of simplicity to his game. He still has the ability to generate offense. The first few games are an example of it. I thought he scored a great goal tonight.”
Streak Over
It began on Valentine’s Day 2007 and lasted until Saturday night. The Pens sellout streak of 663 games ended Tuesday evening with a crowd of 16,400.
Mike Lange Enters The Building
Pens honored Hall of Fame broadcaster Mike Lange during the first break of the first period. Lange announced his retirement after last season, his 45th as the Penguins play-by-play announcer.
Quote of the Night
“We are playing a simplified version of our identity and our game,” Sullivan said. “We are giving ourselves a chance to win each-and-every night. We like the way our team has progressed here. I love the energy, the attitude, the compete level. We just need to build on the positives.”
Up Next
The Pens are off until Saturday night, hosting Toronto.