Since snapping a four-game losing streak last week, the Penguins have won two out of their last three games and have a firmer grip on the second Eastern Conference Wild Card. In fact, they are just one point behind the Islanders for the first Wild Card heading into tomorrow night’s game in Detroit. The Islanders host the New Jersey Devils tonight.
In the absence of Tristan Jarry, goaltender Casey DeSmith turned in another stellar performance against the Caps in Saturday’s 4-3 win over the Capitals. He stopped 31 of 34 shots to gain his 14th win of the season. Coach Mike Sullivan refused to say DeSmith is his new number one goalie, but he says he has faith in him.
The Penguins injury-depleted blue line got a big boost from the insertion of Chad Ruhwedel in the lineup, and he provided his usual steady game plus an unexpected goal, his first of the season in 42 games. Sullivan says Ruhwedel is held in high esteem by the Penguins.
The Penguins have only nine games left in the regular season, including four in the next six days. They’ll play in Detroit tomorrow and then get three straight games at home, against Nashville Thursday, Boston on Saturday, and Philadelphia on Sunday.
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