The Pittsburgh Penguins have had a late surge to keep their postseason hopes alive, all thanks to a nine-game point streak. Outside of the first game of that streak, which was the overtime loss to the Colorado Avalanche that saw them blow a 4-0 lead, Alex Nedeljkovic has been in the crease for the Pens and he has played spectacularly, giving the team the goaltending they need right now.
Rob Rossi joined Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk on Daily Faceoff Live to talk about Nedeljkovic’s recent play and the interesting situation it’s created in the crease in Pittsburgh.
Rob Rossi: Nedeljkovic’s been fantastic. They love that he’s a battler and every time I hear a coach say that about a goaltender is a battler that doesn’t give up on plays, that to me is partly credit to that goaltender and maybe “well, are we also not getting that from the other guy?”
Frank Seravalli: It’s like the ultimate backhanded compliment. It’s almost like you’re not technically any good, but at least you try hard.
Rob Rossi: Now I think that is a bit of a disservice of Nedeljkovic because this is a guy who’s a second round talent. I think he is a battler, but I don’t think he’s a guy that’s bereft of NHL talent. I think he’s a guy that can wear down.
I think for the Penguins, if you’re looking at their goaltending situation, last night would have been a perfect game for them to give to Tristan Jarry. You got two days off before the big game against the Detroit Red Wings, you get Nedeljkovic fresh, and because you beat Tampa you get a little bit more wiggle room. And they still went with Nedeljkovic, I think that to me says a lot about where they’re at with Tristan Jarry.
I don’t know that they can get out from under that contract this summer, but I know it’s one that they had reservations about to begin with and Tristan has had difficult second halves in three of the last four seasons or at least stretches. That has to be a concern for a guy you gave 5 years to just 9 months ago.
You can watch the full episode here…
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