Penguins change goalies, Tristan Jarry to start Game 4 vs. Montreal Canadiens

With their backs to the wall in elimination game, the Penguins are turning to a new goalie this afternoon. It will be Tristan Jarry in the net, coach Mike Sullivan announced this morning.

Matt Murray played the first three games, picking up quality starts in the first two. Murray was sterling in Game 2, stopping 26 out of 27 shots, and matching Carey Price in what was a goaltender’s duel for much of the game in Pittsburgh’s only win.

But Murray’s performance dropped a bit in Game 3. He was beaten on a wraparound by Paul Byron and outmuscled into his net. Then allowed a sharp angle shot from a wide open Jeff Petry who picked the barely unsealed top of the net off of Murray.

Jarry gets the nod following a strong season, but also hasn’t played in months. And he has been on a downward trend too, with just a .901 save% in his last 15 starts. Still, the best a goalie has played this season for the Penguins was Jarry early in the year, and his ability to play the puck behind his net and stop dump-ins might be of use to help slow down the Montreal Canadiens.

What no goalie can slow is the amount of odd-man rushes and defensive coverage breakdowns in front of him. Sullivan declined to mention any other potential lineup changes for the 4:00 game start.