Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry is working his way back from injury. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Tristan Jarry 'making significant progress,' Penguins 'really encouraged' ahead of Game 6

Fans of the Pittsburgh Penguins will spend all Thursday and part of Friday holding their breaths waiting for an update on the condition of superstar captain Sidney Crosby ahead of Friday's Game 6 against the New York Rangers in Pittsburgh. 

An individual who may be as equally important to Pittsburgh's goal of closing the series out before the weekend is inching toward his return. 

According to Michelle Crechiolo of the Penguins' website, head coach Mike Sullivan told reporters Thursday that All-Star starting goalie Tristan Jarry is "making significant progress" in his recovery from the reported broken right foot that's kept him sidelined since April 14.

"We're really encouraged. We'll take each day as it comes," Sullivan added. 

Jarry faced shots from goaltending coach Andy Chiodo on Monday and Tuesday and then participated in Wednesday's optional morning skate ahead of Game 5 that New York won 5-3 at Madison Square Garden to avoid elimination. Sullivan said later that day that Jarry "made a big jump" and "had his longest workout." 

Third-choice option Louis Domingue replaced injured backup Casey DeSmith in the second overtime period of Game 1 and has since remained in the lineup with DeSmith out due to season-ending core muscle surgery he had last Friday. Domingue has surrendered 15 goals in his four starts during the first-round playoff series. 

Crosby, meanwhile, officially has an upper-body issue presumed to be a head injury following a controversial hit delivered by Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba in the second period of Wednesday's contest. It's unclear if Crosby, who leads the Pens with nine points and seven assists in the series, will play Friday night. 

If Pittsburgh can't take care of business Friday, Game 7 will be Sunday in New York. 

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