Edmonton Oilers Stick With Tristan Jarry Despite Brutal Toronto Maple Leafs Loss

Oilers stick with Jarry in goal despite six-goal Leafs disaster© Getty via AFP

The Edmonton Oilers got routed 7-2 by the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday, and goalie Tristan Jarry was at the centre of it. The 31-year-old gave up six goals on 30 shots, finishing with an .833 save percentage — numbers that would make any coach think twice. But head coach Mike Babcock isn't pulling the plug just yet. With backup Devon Levi sidelined by injury, the Oilers have confirmed Jarry will start Monday's game against the Detroit Red Wings, passing over call-up Matt Tomkins for the crease.

Jarry Gets the Nod Against Detroit Despite Rocky Outing

Babcock's decision is less a vote of confidence and more a reflection of where Edmonton stands with its goaltending depth right now. Levi's absence takes away what would have been the most logical alternative. That leaves Tomkins, who has seen limited NHL action, as the other option. Choosing a struggling starter over an untested call-up in a must-win situation is a gamble, but in Babcock's view, the steadier bet is probably the one who has been here before.

Jarry's numbers this season tell a complicated story. He carries a 2-1-1 record, but his .861 save percentage and 3.73 goals-against average are nowhere close to what Edmonton needs from its starter long-term. Against the Leafs, he simply didn't have it. Six goals on 30 shots in a lopsided loss isn't something you brush off easily, especially when the team's playoff positioning starts to matter.

A Goaltender With Something to Prove

What works slightly in Jarry's favour is that he has shown flashes of competence this campaign. He turned away 19 of 20 shots against San Jose on October 10 and stopped 26 of 28 against Utah on October 17. Those weren't world-beaters, but they showed he's capable of doing the job when things click. The Red Wings aren't a powerhouse either — Detroit is a matchup where Jarry can reasonably steady the ship if he's anywhere close to that earlier form.

Still, the broader picture is unsettling for Oilers fans. A .861 save percentage this deep into October is already flashing warning signs. If Jarry doesn't bounce back against Detroit and Levi's return gets pushed further out, Edmonton may face some uncomfortable roster decisions sooner than expected. For now, Babcock is running it back with Jarry. What happens Monday in net will say a lot about how much runway the veteran goalie has left in this situation.