With Tristan Jarry's status uncertain, Penguins to start Casey DeSmith in net vs. Capitals

Tristan Jarry’s seemingly inescapable injury woes could sideline him for at least one more game.

While the Pittsburgh Penguins’ No. 1 netminder conducted some individual workouts with goaltending coach Andy Chiodo for about 40 minutes prior to Saturday’s morning skate, he did not participate in full team drills and won’t start their contest Saturday night against Washington, coach Mike Sullivan said.

Jarry, who had been shaky over his last several outings following a return to the ice from a lower-body injury, was scratched from Thursday’s road game at Dallas due to an undisclosed injury.

In 40 games, Jarry is 21-10-6 with a 2.98 goals-against average and .908 save percentage.

He most recently helped the Penguins to a win over Colorado on Wednesday, making 28 saves on 30 shots.

All Sullivan had to say Saturday morning was that the Penguins will start Casey DeSmith in net against the Capitals.

DeSmith’s backup will either be Jarry or Dustin Tokarski, who was recalled from Wilkes-Barre Scranton of the American Hockey League Thursday on an emergency basis. Sullivan said it will be a “game-time decision.”

It will be the second straight start for DeSmith, who took the loss Thursday on the road against the Dallas Stars.

In 35 games this season, DeSmith is 13-15-4 with a 3.11 GAA and .907 save percentage.

• Winger Jason Zucker did not partake in Saturday’s morning skate. Afterwards, Sullivan said the 31-year-old would be available against Washington. In 68 games this season, Zucker has 24 goals and 19 assists, with his 43 points ranking fifth on the Penguins.
• Blueliner Jeff Petry, who has missed the last four games after absorbing a big hit by the New York Rangers’ Tyler Motte on March 16, will not play against the Capitals. Petry spoke with reporters Saturday morning and ruled himself out of the contest, with Sullivan doing the same during his post-practice press conference.
• Fellow defenseman Dmitry Kulikov was spotted wearing a walking boot on his left foot Saturday. Acquired via a trade with the Anaheim Ducks on March 3, Kulikov was injured in a 3-2 home win against the Rangers on March 12, though the nature of his ailment has never been disclosed. Currently designated to long-term injured reserve, Kulikov is not eligible to rejoin the active roster until April 6.