Penguins' Hextall 'strongly' feels Jarry will bounce back next season

Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Ron Hextall has full confidence in his goalies entering next season and, specifically, expects starter Tristan Jarry to rebound.

"When you're a goaltender, and I've lived it, there's disappointments that you have to get over and you have to bounce back from," Hextall said Thursday, according to NHL.com's Wes Crosby. "I feel strongly that (Jarry is) going to bounce back and be a very good goaltender for us throughout the entire year."

Jarry, 26, managed a .909 save percentage and 2.75 goals-against average in 39 games last season, his first campaign as the full-time starter following Matt Murray's departure. Jarry struggled mightily during the postseason, posting an .888 save percentage and league-worst minus-5.72 goals saved above average in six games.

In 107 career contests, Jarry owns a .911 save percentage and 2.70 goals-against average.

The Penguins fired goalie coach Mike Buckley on Wednesday and appointed development coach Andy Chiodo to the position. Hextall believes Chiodo will be able to help Jarry and teammate Casey DeSmith make significant strides in all aspects of the game.

"Andy's job now is, predominantly, the two guys on the big team," Hextall said. "So, hopefully, we can make some little tweaks. The mental side of the game for a goaltender is a huge part of it. Andy is well aware of that."

DeSmith, who was unavailable during the playoffs due to injury, put up a .912 save percentage and 2.54 goals-against average in 20 games. He's expected to be ready for the start of the 2021-22 campaign after undergoing core muscle surgery early in the offseason.

Copyright (C) 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.