Who could’ve predicted that Sidney Crosby’s Pittsburgh Penguins would be rubbing shoulders with the very best the NHL has to offer this season?
The Penguins were slapped with a down-and-out label to start the season, but with an 8-4-2 record, they’re currently second in the Metropolitan Division. However, Pittsburgh might have to deal with a bit of a rough patch here, considering the injury bug that has run through their goaltending depth.
Penguins Fix Their Goalie Crisis, But What Is Sidney Crosby Satisfied?
Pittsburgh has been splitting starts between Tristan Jarry and Arturs Silovs this season, and both have been solid so far. Jarry has a 2.60 GAA and a .911 save percentage, while Silovs holds a 2.66 GAA and a .913 save percentage through seven starts each.
However, the team now faces a setback, as Jarry is now sidelined for at least three weeks with a lower-body injury from Monday’s loss to Toronto. To fill the gap, Pittsburgh called up goalie prospect Sergei Murashov, along with Danton Heinen and Ryan Graves, while sending Owen Pickering back to the AHL. Justin Brazeau and Noel Acciari are also out with injuries.
Murashov has a 1.73 GAA and a .931 save percentage in seven starts this season. Penguins fans who caught a glimpse of Murashov’s showings have already labelled him the franchise’s goalie of the future.
Murashov, Crosby says, reminds him of the old days when he, Kris Letang, and Marc-André Fleury were “rink rats” who refused to leave the ice after practice. “He’s got a real passion for the game. He’d be out there all day if he could,” Crosby said. “That’s something that stood out right away. He’s eager to learn, competes really hard in practice. This is a great opportunity for him.”
Despite having just 23 career AHL appearances (plus one playoff game), Murashov has demonstrated maturity and confidence. “My confidence always comes from what I’m doing from the process, not from results,” Murashov said Wednesday.
Murashov credited his teammates and coaches for their support and said he’s simply trying to make the most of the opportunity. “I would like to say thanks to my team. They were all battling, and efforts all around were really, really high, and I truly appreciate that. I think it’s a good work with all of the coaches in the Penguins organization. It’s all about the process and what I’m doing, and enjoying my time.”
It’s unclear when Murashov will make his first NHL start. Head coach Dan Muse usually announces his starting goalie on the morning of each game.
With the rotation in place, Silovs is likely to start Thursday against Washington. Murashov could make his NHL debut Saturday against New Jersey.
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