On Monday, this space suggested that Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry be pulled for shootouts.
More evidence to that end mounted last night as Jarry allowed two goals on three shootout attempts in the Penguins’ loss at Chicago.
Jarry is 0-3 in shootouts this season. He has conceded seven goals on 10 shootout tries. That is despicably bad. (Jarry also allowed a penalty shot in a 4-2 home loss to New Jersey Oct. 30.)
Jarry’s career save percentage in shootouts is .567. That stinks.
Ex-Pen Marc-Andre Fleury was in goal for Chicago last night. His career save percentage in shootouts is .733, which is excellent.
Last night’s result was a lock the minute 3-on-3 overtime ended.
Casey DeSmith, the Pens' No. 2 netminder, has a lifetime save percentage of .786 in shootouts. That’s better than Fleury. DeSmith has made 11 stops on 14 attempts.
Subbing in DeSmith for shootouts absolutely must be tried.
Goalies never get switched for shootouts.
But it’s like pulling the goalie with 3-4 minutes left: Nobody did it. But once somebody did, everybody did.
This isn’t about the starter’s ego, or unnecessarily exposing the backup to potential injury via having him come in cold. (Have him start stretching in the runway as soon as OT begins.)
This is about winning games. About making the playoffs.
The Penguins are a borderline playoff team. They need every point they can get. They will not make the post-season if they lose every shootout, or even most shootouts.
The facts speak loudly: Switch goaltenders for shootouts. Jarry out, DeSmith in.
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