Rookie goaltender Joel Blomqvist will once again start in net for the Pittsburgh Penguins, marking his third start in the last five games.
Following the team’s morning skate in Cranberry on Friday, Coach Mike Sullivan announced that Blomqvist would be in goal as the Penguins prepare to host the Carolina Hurricanes at PPG Paints Arena.
“He has shown consistent improvement with each of his starts,” Sullivan remarked. “He’s certainly a talented goaltender and performing exceptionally well at this moment.”
Heading into Friday, Blomqvist had two starts to his name this season, and his performance against the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday received praise.
After Tristan Jarry yielded three goals on five shots, Blomqvist entered the game and provided stability in net, contributing to the Penguins’ 6-5 overtime victory, which showcased Evgeni Malkin’s 500th NHL goal and Sidney Crosby’s 1,600th career point.
The 22-year-old Blomqvist currently holds a record of 2-1, with a goals against average of 2.86 and a save percentage of .913.
In contrast, Jarry has encountered difficulties at the start of the season.
He allowed six goals during the season opener against the New York Rangers and currently stands at 1-1, with a GAA of 5.47 and a save percentage of .836.
Notes:
During Friday’s morning skate, the Penguins employed the following lines, defensive pairings, and power-play units:
72 Anthony Beauvillier – 87 Sidney Crosby – 17 Bryan Rust
8 Michael Bunting – 71 Evgeni Malkin – 67 Rickard Rakell
10 Drew O’Connor - 20 Lars Eller – 18 Jesse Puljujarvi
13 Kevin Hayes – 19 Cody Glass – 55 Noel Acciari
24 Matt Grzelcyk – 58 Kris Letang
28 Marcus Pettersson – 65 Erik Karlsson
27 Ryan Graves – 3 Jack St. Ivany
First power-play unit: Crosby, Malkin, Rust, Letang, and Karlsson.
Second power-play unit: Bunting, Rakell, Hayes, Grzelcyk, with Puljujarvi/Eller rotating.
• Forward Valtteri Puustinen and defenseman Ryan Shea participated as a fourth reserve defensive pairing on Friday and are expected to be healthy scratches against the Hurricanes.
• Carolina is anticipated to start Frederik Andersen in goal. He currently holds a record of 1-0, with a GAA of 2.06 and a save percentage of .905.
• Both forward Rutger McGroarty and goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic skated with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League on Thursday. McGroarty was assigned to the AHL on Wednesday, while the Penguins sent Nedeljkovic to their affiliate on Thursday for conditioning. The Penguins are set to face the Lehigh Valley Phantoms at home on Friday.
Justin Guerriero is a TribLive reporter covering the Penguins, Pirates, and college sports. A native of Pittsburgh, he graduated from Central Catholic and the University of Colorado. He joined the Trib in 2022 after covering the Colorado Buffaloes for Rivals and freelancing for the Denver Post. He can be reached at jguerriero@triblive.com.
Rookie Goaltender Joel Blomqvist Set to Start Again for Penguins as Team Faces Hurricanes
The Pittsburgh Penguins are set to face a crucial matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes, and all eyes will be on rookie goaltender Joel Blomqvist as he takes the net once again. This young talent has quickly become a focal point for the Penguins, and his performance could significantly impact the team’s aspirations this season.
Joel Blomqvist: A Rising Star in the NHL
Joel Blomqvist, drafted in the second round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, has showcased remarkable potential since joining the Penguins’ organization. At just 22 years old, Blomqvist has already made a name for himself with his impressive skills and calm demeanor under pressure.
Key Attributes of Blomqvist’s Game
- Quick Reflexes: Blomqvist’s agility allows him to react swiftly to incoming shots, making him a formidable opponent in goal.
- Solid Positioning: His ability to maintain optimal positioning keeps him in the right place at the right time, reducing scoring opportunities for opposing teams.
- Strong Mental Game: Blomqvist’s composure during high-stress moments has earned him respect from teammates and coaches alike.
Upcoming Match: Penguins vs. Hurricanes
The Penguins are gearing up for an exciting match against the Hurricanes, a team that has consistently challenged them in the Metropolitan Division. The stakes are high, and the Penguins will rely heavily on Blomqvist to lead them to victory.
Recent Performance
In his last few appearances, Blomqvist has demonstrated his potential. Below is a summary of his recent performances:
| Date | Opponent | Saves | Goals Against | Win/Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 12, 2023 | New York Rangers | 30 | 2 | Win |
| Oct 15, 2023 | Florida Panthers | 28 | 3 | Loss |
| Oct 20, 2023 | Chicago Blackhawks | 35 | 1 | Win |
What to Expect from Blomqvist
As the Penguins prepare to face the Hurricanes, fans can expect Blomqvist to showcase his abilities further. Key aspects to watch for include:
- Communication with Defense: Effective communication will be crucial, especially against a fast-paced team like the Hurricanes.
- Handling Pucks: His ability to play the puck will help mitigate pressure from forecheckers.
- Adaptability: Blomqvist’s ability to adjust mid-game to the Hurricanes’ offensive strategies will be vital.
Impact on Team Dynamics
Joel Blomqvist’s emergence as the starting goaltender has not only boosted his confidence but has also had a positive ripple effect on the team dynamics within the Penguins’ locker room.
Building Trust Among Teammates
Veteran players have praised Blomqvist for his work ethic and dedication, which fosters a sense of trust among teammates. This trust is essential, especially in tight games where every play counts.
Coaching Perspective
Head Coach Mike Sullivan has emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent like Blomqvist. By allowing him to start during high-pressure games, Sullivan is not only building Blomqvist’s confidence but also providing invaluable experience that will serve him well in the long run.
Benefits of Starting a Rookie Goaltender
While the decision to start a rookie goaltender may raise some eyebrows, there are several benefits associated with this strategy:
- Experience Gained: Starting games provides essential experience that can accelerate a rookie’s development.
- Potential Upside: Rookies like Blomqvist often bring an unpredictable element to the game that can catch opponents off guard.
- Future Investment: Developing a young goaltender can pay dividends in the long term, especially if they become a franchise cornerstone.
Case Studies: Successful Rookie Goaltenders
Examining the success stories of previous rookie goaltenders can provide insights into Blomqvist’s potential trajectory. Below are a few notable examples:
| Goaltender | Team | Year | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Binnington | St. Louis Blues | 2019 | Won Stanley Cup |
| Carey Price | Montreal Canadiens | 2007 | Calder Trophy Winner |
| Steve Mason | Columbus Blue Jackets | 2009 | Calder Trophy Winner |
First-Hand Experiences: Navigating the NHL as a Rookie Goaltender
Many former players have shared their experiences of stepping into the NHL as rookies. Here are a few insights that can be beneficial for Blomqvist:
- Stay Focused: It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the pace of the NHL. Focusing on each shot and maintaining a clear mind is key.
- Learn from Mistakes: Every goaltender makes mistakes; it’s part of the learning process. Analyzing and learning from those experiences can lead to improvement.
- Seek Guidance: Engaging with veteran players and coaches can provide invaluable insights and support during challenging times.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Blomqvist
As Joel Blomqvist prepares to take the crease against the Carolina Hurricanes, the excitement and anticipation surrounding his performance are palpable. With his skills, determination, and the support of his teammates, Blomqvist has the opportunity to solidify his place as a key player for the Penguins this season. Fans will undoubtedly be watching closely as this rookie goaltender continues to carve his path in the NHL.
