Tristan Jarry makes 28 saves in Penguins’ 2-0 win over Predators

NHL Highlights | Predators vs. Penguins – March 30, 2023

Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry blocked 28 shots in Thursday’s 2-0 win over the Nashville Predators at PPG Paints Arena. The victory helped the Penguins improve their position in the Eastern Conference wild-card race.

After being absent for one game due to a lower-body injury and serving as a backup for Casey DeSmith in the next two games, Jarry made his first start since March 22 on Thursday.

The player praised his teammates for their exceptional performance and relentless efforts to secure the much-needed victory. He maintained that the win was crucial for their position in the standings. “The two points are huge,” the 27-year-old said.

The Penguins (37-28-10) had lost six out of eight. On Thursday, however, they produced a two-goal victory through left-wingers Jason Zucker and Jake Guentzel. The win helped the Pens narrow the gap to three points, with the New York Islanders for the first wild card entry into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Eastern Conference.

Commenting about the victory, Penguins coach Mike Sullivan highlighted the importance of gaining confidence from the win. “I think it’s important that we feel good about it tonight,” he said.

Sullivan stressed that the team needs to adopt a playoff mindset to raise their “intensity level in all the aspects of the game.”

“That’s an important aspect, just the confidence moving forward. I think we can take that out of tonight. … Having that playoff mindset, that we raise our intensity level in all the aspects of the game.”

Mike Sullivan, Pittsburgh Penguins coach

Game’s quick recap

In the second period, defenseman Brian Dumoulin skillfully maneuvered the puck around Nashville defenseman Kevin Gravel, who was on his stomach attempting to block a pass to Zucker. Receiving it well, Zucker tapped the puck to the left post and gave the Penguins a 1-0 lead at 14:15.

Nashville had a chance to take the lead when right-winger Kiefer Sherwood attempted a partial breakaway at 10:37. He caught the puck in the neutral zone and advanced towards the goal, with only Penguins defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph in his way.

Despite his efforts, Jarry blocked Sherwood’s wrist shot and prevented the Predators from scoring.

Later in the third period, Guentzel doubled the lead for the Penguins, scoring just eight seconds into a power play. He redirected a backdoor pass from right-winger Rickard Rakell for his 34th goal of the season.

Next, the Penguins are facing the Boston Bruins, while the Predators are hosting the St. Louis Blues at Bridgestone Arena.