The Edmonton Oilers are once again dealing with uncertainty in goal. Despite sitting third in the Pacific Division, defensive struggles and inconsistent netminding have made the situation in Edmonton far from comfortable.
Now, a familiar voice from the franchise’s past has weighed in, offering some advice to Tristan Jarry as he works through a difficult stretch of form.
Ex-Oilers Goalie’s Message to Tristan Jarry
Tristan Jarry’s grip on the starting job appears to be slipping, with Connor Ingram starting the last three games and winning two of them.
Jarry was acquired earlier this season after the Edmonton Oilers traded Stuart Skinner to the Pittsburgh Penguins in December. Hoping to fix a struggling crease where Skinner and Calvin Pickard had combined for a .873 save percentage, the second-worst in the NHL.
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Jarry started strong, winning his first three games. But a lower-body injury on Dec. 18 halted his momentum. During that stretch, Ingram stepped in with steady performances. Turning the situation into a battle for the crease.
Since returning, Jarry has struggled to regain consistency. The two goalies have been splitting starts. And neither has firmly claimed the No. 1 role. Jarry currently holds a 3.18 goals-against average and a .890 save percentage, the same mark as Ingram.
Concerns about Tristan Jarry’s form only intensified after the Edmonton Oilers returned from the break. In a matchup against the Anaheim Ducks, Jarry gave up five goals and was eventually pulled from the game.
Since then, Ingram has started the next three contests.
Former Oilers’ goaltender Dwayne Roloson, who was a 2004 NHL All-Star, believes Jarry simply needs to reconnect with the version of himself that once made him successful. “For him it’s just trying to find him, his old self, so like try to find the belief again and, you know, realistically, not trying to put so much pressure on yourself to go win a hockey game,” Roloson said.
He also noted that Edmonton is familiar territory for Jarry. He spent four seasons with the Edmonton Oil Kings and helped win the 2014 Memorial Cup.
According to Dwayne Roloson, the key isn’t trying to be perfect every night. It’s simply stopping the pucks you should and giving your team a chance to win.
“You don’t have to be, you just have to be good, you know, be the best you. If he gives them a chance and if he’s his best self then, he’ll be fine. And the organization will be find and they’ll go on a long run,” Roloson explained.
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The Edmonton Oilers now prepare to face the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday. Whether the team turns to Connor Ingram or Tristan Jarry, Edmonton will need more consistent goaltending to stay on track for a playoff run.
