PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – With Tristan Jarry healthy, Pens head coach Mike Sullivan is going with Casey DeSmith in net Tuesday at Detroit.
In DeSmith’s last six outings he hasn’t given up more than three goals in a single appearance. He stopped 61 of 67 shots in his last two starts against Dallas and Washington.
“Case is going to play tonight for a number of reasons, but most importantly, he’s deserving,” said Pens head coach Mike Sullivan. “He’s played really well as of late.”
“He’s played really well and he’s been in this position before,” said Pens captain Sidney Crosby. “He’s had to come in throughout the year, but also late in the season when we are fighting for a playoff spot. He’s been really strong for us, Jarry has been good as always. I think we are confident in both of them.”
“Confidence is building,” DeSmith said. “Confidence is one of those fleeting things as a player. It’s nice when you have it. Thankfully right now I have a good amount of it.”
Pens are currently in the last playoff spot three points behind the Wild Card leading Islanders and three ahead of the Florida Panthers. Pens have played two fewer games than New York and one fewer than Florida. Buffalo and Ottawa are five points behind. The Sabres have played the same number of games as the Pens, the Senators have played one more.