The Penguins visited an old friend on Tuesday evening and came away with a 4-3 victory over Marc-Andre Fleury and the Vegas Golden Knights. It was a game where the Penguins will take the two points and move on. The overall play was definitely tilted in favor of Vegas. Even when you take score-effects into consideration the Penguins struggled to hold the play. The shots were 34-16 with Jarry outplaying Fleury who finished with a .750 save percentage.

Jarry was the beneficiary of some good news before the game kicked off

The NHL has announced that Tristan Jarry and Kris Letang have been named to the 2020 NHL All-Star Game.

Jarry will replace Columbus goaltender Joonas Korpisalo and Letang will replace @penguins forward Jake Guentzel. pic.twitter.com/cwt2N1YFUh

— Penguins PR (@PenguinsPR) January 8, 2020

He is certainly deserving on merit. He is among the best in save percentage and goals saved above average. Most important I think he is the perfect kind of goalie for an all star game. His style fits what the job entails. Jarry’s athleticism allows him to make incredible and unlikely saves (just look at the one from the other night). Most goalies in this league are boring to watch because they rely on their oversized equipment and angles so you are watching a static butterfly most of the night. Jarry is more active and more interesting. Jarry also has the ability to play the puck which is great for a 3v3 setting and can help facilitate offense in a game where there is not a lot of defense. Ultimately, this honor is a thankless job, but you might as well be entertaining and I think Jarry is.

Kris Letang was on the ballot for the final spot on the Metropolitan team. He instead will replace Jake Guentzel. He’s still a great player and is currently in a bad situation. For those that don’t want to believe me hear it from somebody else instead

Injuries have forced Kris Letang and Jack Johnson to play together. But it's a partnership that isn't paying off.

From @jmarshfof: https://t.co/0q4Sj1ZOJS

— The Athletic Pittsburgh (@TheAthleticPGH) January 7, 2020

Obvious things are obvious. Johnson truthers are a weird bunch.

The Tanev goal which turned out to be the game winner was really surprising. Not because Kris Letang made a good pass or Tanev used his great speed, but where was the famous Fleury pokecheck? I can’t think of a goalie who is better using the poke check and Tanev went right across his goal crease. Nine times out of ten I don’t think that move works on Fleury. Last night must have been the one.

Sidney Crosby is indeed on the road trip. The team doesn’t play until Friday. There is certainly opportunity to get him some practice time with contact. It is very likely he will finally make his return to the lineup against the Colorado Avalanche. That game will now have no shortage of talent on the ice and should be a fun one to watch.

Thanks for reading!

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