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The grin on Tristan Jarry’s face gave it away.
While the goaltender tried to downplay any excitement about being the No. 1 option in net with Matt Murray in Pittsburgh for the time being, Jarry’s smile proved he’s anxious to handle the brunt of the goaltending duties as Wilkes-Barre/Scranton heads down the stretch.
“It’s something I look forward to, but I’m going to treat it how I did before, game-by-game,” Jarry said after Wednesday’s practice at the Toyota Sportsplex.
Jarry’s game-by-game workload has certainly increased lately. The rookie netminder started six games in February – his highest total of any month, and wrapped things up with back-to-back starts last weekend. The second start against Providence on Sunday saw Jarry make 47 saves in 3-2 loss.
Despite the result, the rookie netminder said the game was a benefit.
“It’s fun to have games like that every once in a while. You teach yourself some things and see what you can do,” he said.
The back-to-back starts also impressed head coach Clark Donatelli, who is expected to lean heavily on Jarry while Murray is in Pittsburgh.
“The back-to-back games were real good for his confidence,” Donatelli said. “I think it’s going to be great for him to take the reins and run with it. He’s been real solid all year.”
With three games on the schedule this weekend, Jarry should see a lot of work, although it wouldn’t be a surprise if backup Brian Foster gave him one night off.
“Whatever they give me I’m going to take,” Jarry said of the weekend. “That’s one of the things I’m ready to step up and do.”
NOTES
– Donatelli said newly-acquired forward Dustin Jeffrey is expected to arrive for Thursday’s practice. He said Jeffrey – the AHL’s 10th leading scorer, will be in the top six but he hasn’t yet decided on linemates.
“He’s going to make that top six a lot stronger,” Donatelli said. “Any time you can get a guy of his caliber and leadership, we’re fortunate to have him.”
– Conor Sheary, who was reassigned by Pittsburgh on Monday, was not at practice for the second straight day. Donatelli said Sheary is day-to-day and is getting better, but it’s not an injury that will keep him sidelined for long. When asked if Sheary will play this weekend, Donatelli said, “We’ll see.”
– Carter Rowney sat out Thursday’s practice for a “maintenance” day.