Fresh Start Just What Penguins Goalie Needed

Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry is playing like at an elite level to begin the season. It’s something the organization hoped to see, but did not anticipate during the 2025-2026 season after Jarry hit a career low and was demoted to the American Hockey League last year.

So far this year, the Penguins goalie looks refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to compete. The former second-round pick is 5-1 through his first six starts with a .935 save percentage and 2.35 goals-against average. Jarry is showing a new level of confidence, and the fresh start this coaching staff has given him has renewed his place as a top NHL goalie.

Jarry’s Muse

Under the previous head coach, Jarry’s career in PIttsburgh was done. He was the scapegoat for all of the team’s troubles. Yes, he had his worst statistical season and recorded the fewest wins since making the full-time leap to the NHL. But you know what was even worse? The entire team's performance as they missed the postseason for a third consecutive season.

Under new head coach Dan Muse, the Penguins believe they can be better again. No one believes more than Jarry, who is playing like the two-time All-Star he used to be. Asked about what Muse and his staff have done to guide him back to playing well, he cited having a fresh start and the expectations laid out by the staff as two key pieces.

“I think just having a fresh start,” he said of the coaching staff’s impact. “There’s been a little bit of talk about what they want to see as a staff, just as a team, and I think that’s really helped everyone as a whole. Being able to kind of come in here and have those expectations of what they want of us. And obviously, the team’s been playing really well.”