PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Pens head coach Mike Sullivan confirming goalie Casey DeSmith will not dress for game two of the playoff series with the Islanders at home Tuesday night. Evgeni Malkin and Brian Dumoulin are game-time decisions.
Dumoulin given practice off on Monday with a ‘maintenance day’ after appearing slowed towards the end of game one. The veteran is on the top defensive pairing and it could mean Chad Ruhwedel enters the playoffs with Kris Letang or a complete overhaul of the defensive lineup. Dumoulin returning from injury March 6 after missing over a month is a big reason for the better defensive play. The 29-year-old had a near career-high four goals in 41 games and was a plus 18.
The 31-year-old Ruhwedel played in 18 career playoff games with the Pens including six during the last Stanley Cup winning season.
Malkin missed game one with Jeff Carter moving up to center the second line with Jared McCann and Kasperi Kapanen. Freddy Gaudreau moving to center on a third line with Jason Zucker and Evan Rodrigues.
Max Legace, with one NHL game to his ledger, is again the backup goalie.
Pens did not run line combinations, holding only an optional morning practice Tuesday.
Message to team
“We think we have another level,” that was part of the discussion Sullivan had with his team Tuesday trailing 1-0 in the series.
“We need to make sure we heighten our level of intensity,” Sullivan said. “We heighten our level of urgency. Our execution can improve and get better in certain areas.”
“I just don’t think teams arrive. It’s always a constant strive to improve and get better.”
“It’s about making sure that we go out, we bring the right attitude, bring the right effort and we execute. When we do that, we are a competitive hockey team.”