The Pittsburgh Penguins will begin their first-round playoff matchup with the New York Rangers without Tristan Jarry, though they haven't ruled out the All-Star's return before the end of the series.
Head coach Mike Sullivan characterized Jarry as "day to day" but indicated Jarry would not be available when the best-of-seven series opens in New York on Tuesday. Jarry hasn't played since being diagnosed with a lower-body injury following a victory over the New York Islanders on April 14.
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Casey DeSmith will get the nod when the Penguins head to Madison Square Garden. DeSmith made just one appearance against the Rangers this season and played just 4:19 against New York on March 25 before leaving following a collision with a teammate. DeSmith is 3-2-1 with a 3.45 goals against average and a pedestrian .886 save percentage in seven career appearances against New York.
The 30-year-old DeSmith has played well in the run-up to the playoffs even as the Penguins limped toward the postseason. DeSmith went 8-3-3 with a 2.44 goals against and a .927 save percentage after the All-Star break.
Forward Jason Zucker is likely also out for the beginning of the series with an undisclosed injury sustained in a loss to Edmonton last Tuesday. Injuries have dogged Zucker this season, limiting him to just 41 games.
The Penguins are otherwise healthy, though they face a daunting task in the Rangers. New York won three of four meetings during the regular season, limiting Pittsburgh to just four goals total in the process.