Casey DeSmith, who has started just one of the Penguins' past 13 games, will be in goal when they face the Canadiens tonight at PPG Paints Arena.
Top-line right winger Bryan Rust, however, will sit out his second game in a row because of an unspecified lower-body sustained injury during warmups on Long Island Friday.
DeSmith is 0-2-1, with a 4.71 goals-against average and .856 save percentage in three appearances.
He has been used sparingly, at least in part, because Tristan Jarry has played so well, going 10-4-3. He has a 1.91 goals-against average and .936 save percentage.
Mike Sullivan praised the way DeSmith has prepared for his return to active duty.
"I think Casey has done a real good job," he said. "His work habits in practice have been great. He's doing his very best to stay ready, so that when he does get the tap on the shoulder, he puts himself in a position to be successful. He's had a great attitude through this process. I think he's looking forward to getting in the net tonight and our expectation is that he'll make the timely saves for us to give us a chance to win."
Rust's spot alongside Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel is expected to again be filled for Evan Rodrigues.
Sullivan said Rust's injury is still being evaluated and that he does not know if Rust will go on the four-game road trip that begins Monday in Calgary.
