For a team that is facing elimination in the first round of the playoffs for a third straight season, the Penguins didn't show it at Tuesday's practice, starting with their beleaguered goaltender.
Tristan Jarry was first out, as usual, and when he spoke to the media following the 20-minute workout you wouldn't have known if Jarry was coming of a shutout or had made a gaffe on a losing goal in overtime which, of course, he had in the 3-2 loss to the Islanders the night before.
"I just have the same mindset I've all all year, just to get better every day," Jarry explained, basically the same way he's explained the process every time he's asked, "just practicing here, another day, another practice and a chance to get better."
"If guys want to reach out they're going to do that. If some guys like to stay quiet that's how they want to be," Jarry said. "I'm a pretty easy going person, just going about my business and doing what I need to do to be better each day."
Defenseman Mike Matheson has no doubt that Jarry will be better Wednesday night in New York. "I think he's one of the best goalies in the league," Matheson praised, "he proves that night in and night out. I don't think anybody (on the team) has any doubt in his ability."
Mike Sullivan echoed his post-game comments and then some. "I believe in Tristan," the coach added, "we believe in Tristan, we believe in the makeup of this group and we believe we will respond the right way."
Besides goaltender Casey DeSmith, who hasn't practiced since before the playoffs, forwards Bryan Rust and Jason Zucker were absent but Sullivan confirmed that Zucker was given "a maintenance day" while Rust was excused to spend time with his new family after wife Kelsey gave birth to baby boy Hunter the other day.
Sullivan's announcement at the start of practice drew an enthusiastic round of stick taps from Rust's teammates.
Evan Rodrigues and Colton Sceviour replaced them in line rushes, while Kasperi Kapanen took Rust's spot on the first power play unit and Rodrigues replaced Kapanen on the second PP. Sullivan said DeSmith did not skate and is not on the trip.
The must-win Game 6 is scheduled for 6:30 Wednesday evening on Long Island.
