It’s one of the golden rules. If you can’t say anything nice about someone, don’t say anything at all.
As our present Pittsburgh Penguins continue to reveal more flaws than a botched plastic surgery, it’s increasingly difficult for me to find positives to write about.
I suppose if you dig deep enough through the rubble of the team’s recent 3-7-2 slide you’ll find some bright spots. The Pens have played harder—and had more flow—under new coach Mike Sullivan. More energy, too. Sidney Crosby resembled “the Kid” of old last night with a spirited two-point effort. Recent acquisition Trevor Daley looks like a steal. And…um…(crickets chirping).
You get the picture.
Well, not entirely. Four games into his NHL career, goaltender Matt Murray has shone. Indeed, there were numerous occasions during last night’s disappointing 2-1 shootout loss to Toronto at the Consol when No. 30 saved the Pens’ bacon. Or more accurately, helped them salvage a desperately needed point.
While his teammates dissolved into an on-ice version of the Bad News Bears, Murray remained cool as the proverbial cucumber. On the heels of a dazzling toe save on Nazem Kadri to cap the second period the rangy rookie staved off a veritable tidal wave of breakaways, including one by sharpshooter James van Riemsdyk and another by the equally dangerous Tyler Bozak.
Alas, Murray sagged in the shootout—yielding tallies to Peter Holland and P-A Parenteau—to dim the luster of a 34-save performance. But only slightly.
“I was pretty proud of how I played in the third period,” Murray noted. “I thought I made a couple saves that kind of kept our momentum a little bit. I just have to come up with a save in the shootout, and this game has a different outcome.”
It’s safe to say the Penguins are pleased, too. Since his arrival in the Steel City on December 16, Murray’s posted a microscopic 1.72 goals-against average and a sterling .938 save percentage. The former third-round pick has lived up to his press clippings…and more.
It continues a remarkable run of success at the pro level for the 21-year-old native of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Last season Murray set the American Hockey League on its collective ear, posting a brilliant 1.58 GAA and establishing a league record with 12 shutouts. In the process he garnered two major awards—the Baz Bastien (Best Goaltender) and the Dudley “Red” Garrett (Rookie of the Year)—while earning AHL First-Team All-Star honors. Thanks in large part to Murray’s heroics, the Baby Pens captured the Harry Holmes Memorial Award for fewest goals allowed.
The kid’s play underscores the black-and-gold’s enviable depth between the pipes. Indeed, with Murray and equally promising Tristan Jarry slotted behind reigning team MVP Marc-Andre Fleury and backup Jeff Zatkoff, the Pens boast a quartet of goalies few teams can match.
A strength that bodes well for the future. One that may afford GM Jim Rutherford the luxury of a significant move down the road.
Happy New Year to All!
I agree with Jim that it’s a good situation to be in, but I think keeping Murray here as a back up wouldn’t be the best idea. He needs to be a number 1, and he needs to play. I think where he will play the remainder of this season will depend on how Fleury plays upon his return. If Fleury struggles, Murray is only a phone call away.
Agreed.
Happy New Year, 55 on Point! And thank you for your continued support … 🙂
Hey Rick..
Matt Murray is definitely one of the bright spots in the Pen’s organization. His composure and positioning in the net are amazing for a man of such a young age. If we let him stay in the NHL, and let him play, his development will only get better. I remember that C. Price of Montreal struggled to find his game at first,and then he developed into an elite NHL goalie. When I watch Murray play he is as good as Price was at this stage of his career. What more can Murray do in the AHL? Keep him in the NHL.
The real issue is what happens if Murray stays with the Pens,and they play him 15- 20 games of the next 45 and he does indeed do very well.As good as MAF or better? Then the entire league knows just how good Murray is, and the Pen’s GM can either trade him,or keep him and trade MAF and save almost 5 million dollars a year in cap space. If you send him back to the AHL you will never know if he is ready to be Number 1 NHL level goalie.
It is a nice problem to have.
I too like the Daley trade.It looks better every day.
Have a Happy New Year Rick….and to all your buddies who help you with this site.
Hey Jim,
It’s early yet, but Murray appears to be the real deal. (There may be a weakness high to the glove side, but that remains to be seen.) Kind of the prototype modern goalie—tall, rangy, fills the bottom of the net and forces the shooter to elevate the puck. I’m impressed with his flexibility, too.
While I really like his potential, I agree with 55 on Point. Murray needs to play. I don’t think you want him rusting away on the bench while Fleury starts eight out of every 10 games.
However, if the Pens go nowhere over the next couple of months, I would be tempted to move Fleury at the trade deadline provided there’s a market. Sad as it would be to see Flower go, the Pens are going to have to punt and start shedding salary (sooner than later I think), thus opening the door full time for Murray.
Happy New Year to you and your family!
Thanks Rick,
I fully agree if the Coach/GM only play him 20% of the time and given the seriousness of the Pens current situation to make the play offs, MAF will probably play every game possible. It does not make sense to create another Daniel Spong. Many of my hockey friends agree with you and 55 on Point. I am hoping Murray gets to stay another 7 days in the NHL and we get to see him play against the Islanders, Hawks and Montreal. Good teams.
On another point,in October we played 12 games,won seven and lost 5 games.( Two wins against Toronto,one against Buffalo and one against Florida). In November we played 12 games,won six and lost 6 games.In December we played 14 games,won five and lost 9 games.
Looking forward in January we play 12 games. At least nine games are against teams that will give us a difficult time. As one GM mentioned, most NHL teams really do not start to play until January when the good teams separate themselves from the rest of the league. I was encouraged by the win against the wings, however the Pens will need to play at another level if they expect to make the play offs.The schedule is not kind to us in the next two month’s Rick.
Cheers.