Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry got his first start since October 16 on Friday, November 15 against Columbus.
Jarry performed well in his conditioning stint at the AFL affiliate Wilkes Barre Scranton, but all of that went out the window in the first period against Columbus. Jarry gave up a goal on the first shot.
The first goal is a heartbreaker, and the second was on a power play.
The Jackets are roaring out of the gate and Tristan Jarry’s first game back with the Pens since mid-October is not going as well as expected 🫨 pic.twitter.com/ZxDaVKqpWz
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) November 16, 2024
At the end of the first period, he has given up two goals on six shots.
Penguins fans are looking for a spark to get this team moving in the right direction. It has been a rough start to the season with injuries, illnesses, and subpar play.
Jarry’s return is not helping the cause, and fans are taking to social media to express their thoughts.
What Pittsburgh Penguins Fans Are Saying
Matthew_Sean said: “Tristan Jarry has given up two goals now on four shots, so I guess that AHL conditioning stint did nothing.”
nhlpens said: “You couldn’t have scripted a wrose start for Tristan Jarry… A goal on his 1st shot after a month away from the NHL. Like come on, you can’t make this up.”
Will Kelley said: “Begin the rebuild!”
Some fans would rather talk about anything else but the Penguins right now.
Why am I talking by about the downfall of society? Well, the other option is discussing Tristan Jarry’s return to the #NHL #LetsGoPens
— Joachim Hackshaw (@joachimorjoe) November 16, 2024
In some cases, misery loves company so fans can gather together and watch Jarry in action.
Big crowd at Tom’s Watch Bar. I’m hanging out til 9! Come say hi and let’s all chuckle at the latest Tristan Jarry performance. pic.twitter.com/rVJ9yaDeQM
— Chris Mueller (@ChrisMuellerPGH) November 16, 2024
Is An In-Season Rebuild Possible?
Will Kelley may be somewhat joking, but if the 6-9-3 Penguins do not get something going, could an in-season rebuild be possible?
Lars Eller was already traded back to the Washington Capitals.
Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby want to finish their careers together in Pittsburgh, but they also want to be competitive.
Is Mike Sullivan’s job in jeopardy?
These are the questions that keep fans awake at night wondering if and how this team can turn things around.
Maybe Jarry Can Pull It Together
Penguins fans were already sour on Jarry after his slow start to the season that necessitated the AHL WBS Penguins conditioning stint.
Perhaps Jarry and the team can pull it together in the second and third periods (so this article ages poorly).
Now is the time against the 5-8-2 Columbus Blue Jackets.