Oilers' Goaltending Gamble: Jarry's Struggles Leave Edmonton in a Bind
The Edmonton Oilers find themselves in a precarious position with their goaltending situation. Tristan Jarry, acquired from the Pittsburgh Penguins in December, was expected to be a stabilizing force in net. However, his recent performances have raised eyebrows and left the Oilers with limited options.
The Deadline Dilemma
Fans and analysts alike have pondered whether sending Jarry to the AHL for a confidence boost might be beneficial. Yet, due to NHL rules, that’s not a possibility.
Players not in the minors on deadline day can't be sent down post-deadline. This means the Oilers are left to either play Jarry or keep him benched, hoping he can rediscover his form.
Jarry's Rocky Start in Edmonton
Initially, the acquisition of Jarry seemed like a smart move by GM Stan Bowman, who believed Jarry was a better bet for a playoff run than Stuart Skinner. The Oilers even included defenseman Brett Kulak in the trade to make the deal work financially. However, Jarry’s performance has been far from the steady presence the team hoped for.
Since his debut on Dec. 13, Jarry holds a 7-6-1 record.
While this may seem respectable, his 4.17 goals-against average and .855 save percentage tell a different story. These numbers place him near the bottom among NHL goaltenders during this stretch.
Recent Struggles and Tough Losses
Jarry’s struggles have intensified recently. Over a 10-game span starting in late January, he posted an .826 save percentage with a goals-against average above 5.00.
In seven of those games, he allowed four or more goals. His most recent outing, a 7-2 loss to the Dallas Stars, saw him give up seven goals on 27 shots, finishing with a .741 save percentage.
While the Oilers' defense faltered, Jarry couldn’t provide the necessary saves to keep them competitive.
Skinner Shines in Pittsburgh
Meanwhile, Stuart Skinner has thrived with the Penguins, posting a 2.70 goals-against average and an .891 save percentage. His performance has kept Pittsburgh in the playoff mix and highlighted the disparity between the two goalies' impacts post-trade.
Looking Ahead for the Oilers
With Jarry under contract until the 2027-28 season, the Oilers are hoping he can turn things around. The trade, intended to solidify their goaltending, has instead left them with significant questions. As they contemplate their options, including possibly turning back to Calvin Pickard, the Oilers must navigate these challenges to keep their playoff hopes alive.