PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Think of where Tristan Jarry started the season giving up six goals to Philly and then pulled two nights later after giving up 3 goals on 6 shots. The fifth year NHL goalie is now in a groove.
As The Fan's Jim Colony wrote, Jarry helped the Pens steal a game against the Islanders on Saturday. The first time a Pens goalie has done that this year.
"He's been lights out the last few games," said defenseman Marcus Pettersson. "He's kept the games in our hands. I think we are doing a pretty good job in front of him, but his calming presence really, really helps us. I don't think he's given up many rebounds which really helps us and makes us look good. I think his presence makes us look good."
Jarry has only allowed three goals in the last two games on 67 shots. He continues to say it's his adjustments in workouts that have helped. But not just what he is doing, but how his teammates assist him.
"It starts in practice with guys screening you and deflecting pucks," Jarry said. "I think that's been a big thing in games just trying to find the first couple of feet of it leaving their stick and trying to track it as long as I can until I see it hit their stick or go through a screen."
"It helps in practice when guys are pushing you and trying to do their best to score. That's where it starts."
It also appears that Jarry has been more aggressive in going after shots and cutting down on angles. The 25-year-old ties that back to confidence.
"Watching the puck and not guessing at it," Jarry said. "That's a big thing. Players have so much skill now and the sticks are so good. They can shoot the puck very hard. Being able to watch it, seeing it the whole way through. Making sure that your timing is good and you are seeing the puck all the way through until it hits you or until something happens. I think it's a big part of the game now to not moving to early or too late. Timing it at the right time helps a lot."
Some believe Jarry has become sharper after former Vezina Trophy winner Ron Hextall took over as Pens general manager. It does coincide with Jarry's better play, but he says that's just coincidence.
Jarry is aware of the success Hexall had in the league (13 years, 296 wins) and said he may hit him up for advice at some point. As of now, Jarry is impressing the fans, his coaches and his new bosses. He has brought a swagger to the entire team.
"His confidence is high," Pettersson said. "You can feel his presence."
Whatever led to the improvement, Jarry's last few games have currently changed the outlook of the Pens season.
