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WILKES-BARRE — Tristan Jarry recorded two shutouts during Pittsburgh’s preseason and appeared well on his way to opening the season and the backup to Marc-Andre Fleury in net.
But the Penguins claimed veteran netminder Mike Condon on waivers at the last minute to take the job. And Jarry, despite the pair of shutouts, returned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
So what does he think?
“It was the proper decision to send me back down so I can play some games,” Jarry said after Wednesday’s practice at the Toyota Sportsplex. “They know best what they should do with me. You don’t want to sit on the bench, but you want to be in the NHL at some point, so it’s something you have to work for.”
First, Jarry has to work for the starting job with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Coach Clark Donatelli said Jarry will be competing with Casey DeSmith, who ended last season as the top goaltender in the playoffs.
But just like he didn’t mind being sent down, Jarry also isn’t upset about competing with DeSmith.
“That’s why you play hockey, for the competition and the urge to play,” Jarry said. “(Donatelli) wants Casey and I to push each other.
“It’s one of those win-win situations where you have two goalies that work well together and are good friends.”
During his rookie campaign last season, Jarry spent much of the time as Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s top netminder after Matt Murray was called up to Pittsburgh. In 33 games, Jarry won 17 and posted a 2.69 goals against average and a .905 save percentage.
The experience was a good one for Jarry, but one that came with a lesson.
“I saw I needed to improve my stamina in playing back-to-back games,” Jarry said. “Over the summer I went in with a plan and tried to execute that from the start.”
So far, Donatelli likes what he has seen from Jarry and is looking forward to making the tough decision about who to start in net when the season opens on Saturday.
“(Tristan) came down with a great attitude. He’s ready to go,” Donatelli said, noting the improvement in Jarry’s work ethic. “He’s maturing. What a difference a year makes.”
More veterans
Kevin Porter and David Warsofsky also took to the ice on Wednesday for their first practice since being re-assigned by Pittsburgh on Tuesday. Donatelli was happy to have them back.
“They’re veterans. They’re leaders,” he said. “The first practice today they worked extra hard and they came down with a great attitude.”