Penguins goaltender Casey DeSmith vows to be ready in Tristan Jarry’s potential absence
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BOSTON — It wasn’t an entirely new experience for Casey DeSmith.
The Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender already had played in Fenway Park before Monday’s 2-1 loss to the Boston Bruins in the Winter Classic.
Almost 11 years earlier, DeSmith played at the venue as a member of the University of New Hampshire Wildcats and lost to the Maine Black Bears, 5-4, in overtime on Jan. 7, 2012.
“Playing in one of the most historic stadiums in the whole world,” DeSmith said, “for a lot of these guys, obviously, a once-in-a-lifetime (event). Thankfully, for me, it’s twice.”
Another recurrent experience for DeSmith?
Being the Penguins’ top goaltender.
He might have to take on that role again in the coming days or beyond.
All-Star Tristan Jarry was injured Monday as he left the contest at 15 minutes, 30 seconds of the first period because of an undisclosed injury.
After the game, Penguins coach Mike Sullivan did not offer an update on Jarry’s status other than to acknowledge he was being evaluated.
DeSmith stepped in and offered a competent effort by making 19 saves on 21 shots under less-than-ideal circumstances.
“The last time I was playing in an outdoor game was (11) years ago,” DeSmith said. “Just kind of jumping in cold to an outdoor game, it definitely carries a few more challenges than just a regular game.”
Monday’s result dropped DeSmith’s record to 4-7-2 this season. That goes with adequate but hardly dominant goals against average (2.99) and save percentage (.911) figures in 13 games.
Teammates professed full confidence in DeSmith as he potentially deals with the challenge of being the team’s top goaltender for the time being.
“He was great,” forward Teddy Blueger said. “We didn’t lose any confidence when (Jarry left). We know, when Casey comes in, he’s going to get the job done. Regardless of what the situation is moving forward, that is going to be the case.”
DeSmith has filled in capably for Jarry or previous top goaltender Matt Murray for prolonged stretches over portions of the past five seasons.
Most recently, DeSmith started five of the final games of the 2021-22 season after Jarry suffered a broken right foot late in the campaign. DeSmith was stout in an elevated station as he posted a 3-2-0 record, a 2.24 GAA, a .940 save percentage and one shutout.
There are subtle adjustments for DeSmith when he knows he’ll be a starter instead of a backup on any given game day.
“Mentally knowing that you’re going to start that night, obviously, there’s a different mindset to it,” DeSmith said. “I think I would exhaust myself if I prepared every single time that I was backing up like I was starting. Mentally, I think that would be draining. I don’t think preparation itself changes. But, yeah, it’s definitely different knowing if you’re starting or not starting.”
It remains to be seen what kind of prognosis Jarry has. The Penguins had a scheduled day off on Tuesday and did not provide an update on his status. Meanwhile, reserve goaltender Dustin Tokarski was recalled from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League.
In 18 AHL games this season, Tokarski has an 8-6-4 record, a 2.22 goals against average, a .926 save percentage and one shutout.
As for DeSmith, he pledges to be prepared for whatever is asked of him.
“Obviously, I’m hoping Tristan is OK,” DeSmith said. “Obviously, don’t know his status yet but wishing him the best. I feel really good about my game right now.
“I’m not super concerned with the fact that it might be my net. I’m excited for the challenge.”
Note: To make room for Tokarski on the active roster, defenseman Kris Letang was designated as “non-roster” as he takes a leave of absence to attend to his family in Montreal after the death of his father, Claude Fouquet.