Goaltenders Stuart Skinner and Tristan Jarry will start against their former clubs when the Pittsburgh Penguins host the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday, marking the first matchup since last week's blockbuster goaltender swap that also involved defenseman Brett Kulak and forward Sam Poulin.
Following the December 12 trade that sent Skinner and Kulak from Edmonton to Pittsburgh in exchange for Jarry and Poulin, Tuesday's game at PPG Paints Arena (7:30 p.m. ET) brings the swapped netminders back to familiar territory. Skinner, who backstopped the Oilers to back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals, struggled this season (11-8-4, 2.83 GAA, .891 SV%) but rebounded lately (3-1-1, .937 SV%, 1.61 GAA in last five starts). This will be his Penguins debut.
Jarry, a Penguins mainstay for over a decade (161-100-32 career), impressed in his Oilers debut Saturday, making 25 saves in a 6-3 win over Toronto (season: 9-3-1, 2.66 GAA, .909 SV%).
Skinner is eager: 'We're ripping off the Band-Aid right away. I'd rather get it over with, but also to enjoy it, too.' Jarry reflected emotionally: 'I put my heart and soul into this team. I hope they understand that.'
Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch called it tough but necessary for improvement. Penguins coach Dan Muse wants Skinner and Kulak to play freely. The Penguins (14-8-9) chase playoffs after three misses; Oilers (15-12-6) build on recent Finals runs.