The Edmonton Oilers’ goaltending remains under heavy scrutiny after a 6-3 home loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday night.
Tristan Jarry stopped 26 shots but allowed five goals on 31 attempts, finishing with a .839 save percentage. The result continued a difficult stretch for the Oilers’ goaltender and drew backlash.
Advertisement
Shortly after the game, NHL analyst Josh Yohe shared his thoughts on social media.
“Tristan Jarry has now allowed four or more goals in eight of his 12 starts in Edmonton, including in four straight games. What a disaster of a trade for the Oilers,” Yohe wrote on X.
Jarry has struggled during his recent run with the team. He has now lost four straight starts while allowing 19 goals during that span. Apart from the Hurricanes’ loss, his other losses came against the Anaheim Ducks, Calgary Flames, and Minnesota Wild. In each of those games, Jarry posted a save percentage below .850.
MORE: Oilers coach admits defensive ‘downfall’ after 6-3 loss to Hurricanes
Despite the criticism, Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch defended his goaltender after the Hurricanes game. He said Jarry still made important saves and gave the team a chance to respond.
Advertisement
“Yeah, I think it was fine. I think, you know, he gave us some opportunities to get back in the game,” Knoblauch said about the goaltending performance. “He made some big saves, and anytime you see six goals, you’re pretty disappointed. And I guess a five on him. But, yeah, I think, I don’t fault him for tonight’s loss at all.”
Jarry arrived in Edmonton through a major trade with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Dec. 12, 2025. The Oilers acquired Jarry and forward Samuel Poulin while sending goaltender Stuart Skinner, defenseman Brett Kulak, and a 2029 second-round pick to Pittsburgh.
Before the trade, Jarry posted a 9-3-1 record with a 2.66 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage in Pittsburgh. His numbers have declined in Edmonton. He currently holds a 6-4-1 record with a 3.96 goals-against average and an .862 save percentage.
Edmonton Oilers goaltender Tristan Jarry (35) looks up during player introductions against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
A midseason lower-body injury disrupted Jarry’s rhythm after the move. And since returning, he has struggled to regain consistent form.
Advertisement
The Oilers continue to rely on Jarry and Connor Ingram as their primary goaltending tandem. However, ongoing struggles could also bring in veteran backup Calvin Pickard in the mix.
As Edmonton pushes toward the postseason, stabilizing the crease remains one of the team’s biggest challenges.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
NFL: 5 most overrated NFL free agents hitting the market in 2026
MLB: What drug did Jurickson Profar take? MLB announces PED use
SPORTS MEDIA: Stephen A. Smith bashes underwhelming NBA star as ‘food addict’
VIRAL: NBC delivers epic nostalgia with ‘Throwback Tuesday’ NBA broadcast
Advertisement
WORLD CUP: Will Iran compete in the 2026 World Cup? Donald Trump weighs in
WNBA: Players, union leaders divided, claims letter from 2-time MVP and 4-time All-Star
The post Kris Knoblauch defends Tristan Jarry amid ‘disaster’ trade backlash appeared first on The Big Lead.