While DeSmith would welcome another start, he also went out of his way to describe himself as the backup.
"That's my job. Just to show up when I get the chance," DeSmith said. "I think so far, I've given the team a chance to win when I've played. I take pride in that."
Penguins captain Sidney Crosby expressed confidence in each goalie.
"They go out there, they work hard every day in practice," Crosby said. "They want to go out there and perform for us. We try to do good in front of them, but [DeSmith] has certainly been really good for us."
In nine games (six starts) this season, DeSmith is 3-1-2 with two shutouts. His 1.89 goals-against average and .942 save percentage each rank third in the NHL.
Murray is 4-4-1 with a 3.87 GAA, .886 save percentage and one shutout in nine starts. He is 0-3-1 in his past four starts and has allowed at least four goals in each of his five starts at home.
Despite the numbers, Sullivan believes the Penguins will eventually need to rely on Murray if they are to win the Cup for the third time in four seasons.
"When you think about pro sports, it's a hard business, it's a hard game," Sullivan said. "Every player goes through ups and downs. Matt is no different than any other player that's come before him or that will come after him. It's about how you handle those ebbs and flows throughout the course of your respective careers that helps you to have success."
DeSmith, who has allowed two goals or fewer in seven of nine games this season, said seeing how Murray works has helped elevate his game.