DeSmith (lower body) has begun off-ice work but won't be ready for Thursday's clash with Buffalo.

EDGE Analysis

Tristan Jarry was already announced as the starter against the Sabres, so DeSmith's absence was unlikely to impact coach Mike Sullivan's plans. Still, without their No. 2, Pittsburgh figures to continue utilizing Max Lagace as the backup and could even consider giving him the start in the season finale versus Buffalo on Saturday if the East Division title is out of reach.

DeSmith will be a game-time decision against the Flyers on Tuesday due to a lower-body injury, Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

DeSmith was pulled from Monday's matchup due to his lower-body problem, though he also had conceded four goals on 37 shots. Tristan Jarry has already been confirmed as the starter Tuesday, so DeSmith's potential absence wouldn't have a significant impact other than Emil Larmi needing to be elevated to the active roster to serve as the backup.

DeSmith stopped 33 of 37 shots and was replaced by Tristan Jarry to begin the third period of Monday's 7-2 loss to the Flyers.

EDGE Analysis

DeSmith was being evaluated for a lower-body injury according to Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan, but no additional information was provided. Smith was making just his third appearance in the last 12 games and found himself trailing 3-0 before the end of the first period. It was a 4-0 game after 40 minutes when Jarry came off the bench to relieve DeSmith.

DeSmith will tend the twine on the road versus the Flyers on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

DeSmith has played in just two of the Penguins' last 11 contests but has performed well in limited action as he posted a 1-1-0 record and 2.53 GAA in those contests. With only four regular-season contests remaining, this could be the last time DeSmith gets into the crease this year, as Tristan Jarry is a near-lock to start in the playoffs.

DeSmith turned aside 34 shots in Saturday's 4-2 win over the Devils.

EDGE Analysis

The netminder got staked to a 3-0 lead before the halfway mark of the second period, but DeSmith had to weather a rally by New Jersey before Sidney Crosby potted an empty-netter to give him back some cushion. DeSmith had lost three of his prior four starts coming into Saturday, but on the season he has a solid 2.42 GAA and .913 save percentage.

DeSmith will patrol the home crease during Saturday's matinee matchup with the Devils.

EDGE Analysis

DeSmith wasn't great in his last start Sunday versus Buffalo, surrendering three goals on just 28 shots en route to a 4-2 defeat. He'll try to get back in the win column in a highly favorable home matchup with a struggling New Jersey team that's lost eight straight games.

DeSmith stopped 25 of 28 shots Sunday in a 4-2 loss to Buffalo.

EDGE Analysis

DeSmith gave up a one-timer goal to Arttu Ruotsalainen 26 seconds into the game and was flat-out overpowered on a pair of Sam Reinhart goals over the final two periods. The 29-year-old DeSmith has allowed 17 goals over his last four appearances, winning just once with an .828 save percentage.

DeSmith will protect the road net in Sunday's game versus the Sabres.

EDGE Analysis

Tristan Jarry started the last three games, but DeSmith will get the starting nod on the second leg of back-to-back contests. The 29-year-old netminder has recorded a .912 save percentage and a 10-5-0 record. Despite being out of playoff contention, the Sabres have shown some fight lately with a 5-3-2 record over their last 10 games, and they averaged 3.6 goals in that stretch.

DeSmith turned aside 27 shots in Friday's 6-4 win over the Devils.

EDGE Analysis

The 29-year-old appeared to be cruising to an easy win, but two fluky goals by New Jersey in the third period forced DeSmith to be on his toes in the final minutes before Bryan Rust found an empty-net tally. The netminder has been tagged for 14 goals over his last three games to do some real damage to his ratios, but on the season he still sports a solid 2.40 GAA and .912 save percentage.

DeSmith will defend the blue paint during Friday's road game versus the Devils.

EDGE Analysis

DeSmith has struggled recently, suffering back-to-back losses to the Bruins and the Rangers while posting an ugly 6.10 GAA and .756 save percentage. The 29-year-old netminder will attempt to get back on track and secure his 10th win of the season in a favorable road matchup with a Devils team that's 4-13-3 at home this year.