Murray or Jarry: An interesting (and telling) decision awaits the Penguins on Sunday

An interesting development has popped up since the calendar changed to 2020. It’s right there on nhl.com:

Matt Murray, for the first time in a long time, has been outplaying Tristan Jarry. Jarry has allowed three goals (no more, no less) in each of his six games this season. To be fair, many have not been that of the soft or weak variety, but more situational or just a victim of “ahh, it happens” when he’s allowed a goal.

However, that in and of itself is noteworthy because no one has been able to say anything about Jarry recently. Especially in the month of December when he went 8-1-0 with three shutouts, a 1.54 GAA and a .947 save% and was the best goalie on the planet. Jarry’s had an awesome season. But his performances have faded a bit as of late.

Is it his fault? Is he tired? Would he be better served with a bit of a break? (Which he won’t really get since he’s on the Metropolitan Division All Star team). These questions may seem knee-jerk and reactionary, but such is life when nine games in December with a .947 save% turn into six games in January with a .903 save% and not much history to go on.

But Matt Murray has a history, especially in the second half of NHL season. Specifically last season when Murray built his season into a crescendo with .917%, .920% and .935% months from January - Match last season after being sub .900% in October and November.

Will this be a door open for Murray to turn a corner in the season? Or the same old where Jarry gets the call again based on his overall body of work this year?

In a sense, coach Mike Sullivan can’t go wrong. Jarry has been so dependable all year. Murray has played well as of late. Either choice he makes should inspire confidence in giving the goalie he tabs a boost to know he’s the guy in an important home game against the Bruins on Sunday.

So, now the question is in the poll: