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Mike Sullivan Explains Penguins' Decision to Move Blomqvist
Penguins rookie goaltender Joel Blomqvist was sent to the minors yesterday as the team called up Tristan Jarry, and Mike Sullivan explained the move today.
The Pittsburgh Penguins sent rookie goaltender Joel Blomqvist to the AHL, and head coach Mike Sullivan provided some reasons for it, though not the whole scenario.
"There were multiple things that went into it, but part of our job as coaches and the management group is making sure that we're putting young players in the best possible position to be successful."
"Our priority, first and foremost, is the continued growth and development of Joel. There's always that underlying question that we try to answer - what 's the best course of action for him? Is it being at the NHL level or the American League level? That's some of it, but there's more to it than that."
- Mike Sullivan
"Our priority, first and foremost, is the continued growth and development of Joel. There's always that underlying question that we try to answer - what 's the best course of action for him? Is it being at the NHL level or the American League level? That's some of it, but there's more to it than that."
- Mike Sullivan
Blomqvist, 23, has struggled in the NHL with a 4-9-1 record, 3.81 goals-against average, and .885 save percentage in 15 games this season. He also had to deal with an inconsistent Penguins defense.
The Penguins don't want to hinder Blomqvist's development
To not hold him back, the team sent him back Monday to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, recalling veteran Tristan Jarry in his place.
Sullivan would not elaborate on the choice, but with Alex Nedeljkovic slated to begin Tuesday against Colorado, Blomqvist appeared to be the most obvious casualty of the decision.
Jarry also had his own problems before his Jan. 16 demotion. When asked if he could envision playing time on the team's three-game road trip, Sullivan only committed to starting the opener with Nedeljkovic.
Meanwhile, the Penguins recalled another goalie prospect, Sergei Murashov, from ECHL Wheeling to their AHL affiliate. Murashov has been incredible, going 6-0-0 with a 1.99 GAA and a.934 save percentage in limited action in the AHL.
In Wheeling, he was 17-7-1, with a 13-game winning streak, and had a 2.40 GAA and a .922 save percentage.
With Blomqvist and Murashov in the pipeline, the Penguins appear to be in very good hands in their crease for the future.
| POLL | ||
MARS 4 | 255 ANSWERS Mike Sullivan Explains Penguins' Decision to Move Blomqvist Do you agree with the decision to send Joel Blomqvist to the AHL? | ||
| Yes | 194 | 76.1 % |
| No | 61 | 23.9 % |
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