PITTSBURGH – Some may call it a competition, others will say it’s healthy competition, but either way the Pittsburgh Penguins have two goalies worthy of starting on a regular basis. Tristan Jarry entered the 2023-24 season as the clear starter, but Alex Nedeljkovic has found a good rhythm and was gifted with eight of the last 11 starts.
Nedeljkovic noted that both goalies are doing everything they can to help the Penguins win and pushing each other to be better. Jarry got his chance to chime in following the Penguins’ loss to the Vancouver Canucks, a game in which Nedeljkovic started, but was pulled for Jarry after just one period.
“It’s whoever is getting points,” Jarry said. “I think he’s been playing great. Obviously, he’s a great goaltender.”
As the Penguins reach the midway point of the season, Nedeljkovic has played in fewer games, but is putting up almost identical numbers. In 15 games played, he has picked up an 8-3-2 record with a .916 save percentage and 2.66 goals against average.
Jarry turned out to the be goalie of record against the Canucks pushing his line to 11-12-3 with a .913 save percentage and 2.56 goals against average.
“Whoever’s playing well, I think, should be playing,” Jarry said. “I think that’s the way it’s been going. He’s done a great job.”
Regardless of the numbers, Jarry also believes the two are pushing each other to give the Penguins the best possible chance to win every night.
“I think we have a great relationship,” Jarry said. “We’re pushing each other, and I think that helps us be at our best.”
Head coach Mike Sullivan has always run with the hot hand when it comes to deciding who starts in goal. That trend will likely continue as both goalies continue to have productive seasons between the pipes. Both Jarry and Nedeljkovic are confident in their abilities and the Penguins share those thoughts.
It’ll be interesting to see where Sullivan takes the goaltending tandem, but it’ll also be up to Jarry and Nedeljkovic to help make that decision.
More must-reads: