Penguins Update: The Great PP Goalie Debate

For those of you who read the comment sections to our articles, there’s been somewhat of a goalie debate raging on PenguinPoop. A certain esteemed colleague has been extolling the virtues of newcomer Alex Nedeljkovic while panning the abilities of our long-time starter Tristan Jarry.

Although based on a variety of factors, tangible and intangible, statistical or otherwise, my friend’s opinion seems to be rooted in won-lost record. Through 23 starts Jarry has posted a sub-.500 record of 10-11-2, for a points percentage of .478. Nedeljkovic, on the other hand, has a spiffy 5-2-2 record, good for a sparkling .667 points percentage. Supporting my colleague’s assertion that the Penguins are (far) better off with Ned in net.

And, hey, I love Nedeljkovic, too. Razor-sharp and cat-quick, his rebound control is uncanny. Indeed, pucks seem to stick to him like lint to Velcro. He possesses a certain swagger and command that breeds confidence. And I do feel that he’s the better overtime and shootout goalie.

Still, that doesn’t make Jarry yesterday’s meatloaf…or the second-coming of the anti-Christ as my friend seems to assert. He took ownership of an inconsistent October by stating, “Obviously, I need to be better. That’s the bottom line.”

Since then, he’s been good to his word. Over his past 16 appearances Jarry’s posted a .924 save percentage, and that includes a rocky outing against the Maple Leafs a couple of weeks ago in which the entire team was pretty much a disgrace. His record during that stretch, 8-6-2.

He’s been aggressive, playing at the top of his crease where he’s at his best and challenging shooters.

Comparing some random stats reinforces that there really isn’t much to choose from between the two goalies.

Stat	Jarry	Nedeljkovic
Save Percentage	.916	.917
Goals Against Average	2.49	2.64
Shutouts	4	1
Quality Starts Percentage	.609	.667

 

A few other numbers to toss your way. Nedeljkovic has allowed three or more (non-shootout) goals in six of his 10 appearances. Jarry, 12 of his 23 appearances.

Pretty even-steven.

Did I mention Jarry leads the league in shutouts?

Too, as much as I love Ned, there’s an unsettling flip side lurking in his recent past. One I don’t especially like to think about and one we fortunately have yet to experience.

Following his brilliant rookie season with Carolina in 2020-21 when he led the league in goals against average (1.90) and save percentage (.932), Nedeljkovic endured back-to-back shaky seasons with Detroit. He was so porous the Red Wings gave up on him last season and sent him to Grand Rapids of the AHL.

I still have a particular game emblazoned in my mind from his time in the Motor City. March 27, 2022, at PPG Paints Arena. The Pens seared the Red Wings, 11-2, that afternoon. I remember thinking their starter, who surrendered our first seven goals before mercifully being yanked following 37 minutes of agony, couldn’t stop a beach ball.

Yep…Nedeljkovic.

None of this is meant to denigrate Ned. Just trying to provide some perspective. Blowout losses can happen to the best of ‘em.

My assertion? Jarry and Nedeljkovic make a terrific tandem and we’re fortunate to have them both. I especially like the fact that they provide some friendly competition and seem to push each other. I also like the fact that coach Mike Sullivan is willing to ride the hot hand, rather than locking his goalies into predefined roles. Which, again, serves to foster healthy competition.

As I see it, a win-win for our Pens.