PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – The trade deadline coming on Monday in the NHL, could be a last opportunity for Casey DeSmith, starting tonight in Nashville at 8p, to show they don't need to attempt to add a back-up goaltender.
In the last three appearances, the 30-year-old has allowed six goals on 93 shots versus the Devils, Blue Jackets and Carolina. DeSmith has allowed more two goals twice in his last seven starts (Carolina-3, Philadephia-4). It will be his first time ever facing the Predators, who are currently tied for fifth in the Western Conference with 72 points.
Same lineup
It appears the Pens will stay with the same lineup from Carolina, hard to judge due to an optional morning skate in Nashville. Here were the combinations from practice on Monday.
Jake Guentzel-Sidney Crosby-Bryan Rust
Danton Heinen-Evgeni Malkin-Evan Rodrigues
Radim Zohorna-Jeff Carter-Kasperi Kapanen
Brian Boyle-Teddy Blueger-Zach Aston-Reese
Mike Matheson-Kris Letang
Brian Dumoulin-John Marino
Mark Friedman-Chad Ruhwedel
"We believe balance is an important element in having a competitive team regardless of our opponent," Sullivan said. "That's something that we talked about a lot just creating balance through our lineup-offensively and defensively. We are trying to put players in positions where they can play to their strengths. We are trying to surround our core players with what they need to be successful."
It would be a third game with Matheson joining Letang on the top pairing.
"I think time and experience together is the biggest way to even that out and get better at it," Matheson said of being partners with Letang. "In the last game there was one time where we both jumped into the same hole in the offensive zone. That is reading off each other and getting more used to each other. That only comes from playing with each other more and more games."
Championship City
Sullivan admits being back in Nashville does bring back memories of clinching his second and the team's fifth Stanley Cup championship. Due to COVID-19 scheduling, they haven't been there in a number of years.
"When you win a Stanley Cup in a building, those of us that have gone through that experience," Sullivan said. "There is a certain attachment to that. It's hard to not let your mind go there fleeting moment and I'm no different."
"The operative word is fleeting. We've got an important game tonight and that's where our focus is."
