Nobody expected the Pittsburgh Penguins to perform at the level at which they are currently performing. The team was expected to have yet another unobtrusive season that would ultimately end with a premature exit, but could potentially help them land generational talent Gavin McKenna.
However, Sidney Crosby and company have won nine of the 17 matches they have played, and sit behind the Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils in the Metropolitan Division with 21 points. Could the Penguins finally make their way out of the slump they had fallen into? Well, chances of that certainly look stronger with the arrival of a 21-year-old who Penguins fans thoroughly approve of.
Rookie Goalie Sergei Murashov Wins Hearts With Stellar Save
Something about Pittsburgh feels good this season, at least that is what elite defenseman Erik Karlsson believes. The veteran blueliner has been playing his best yet with the franchise, and endorses coach Dan Muse, who has breathed new life into the team after taking over the reins from former coach Mike Sullivan.
The addition of goalie Sergei Murashov only strengthens the Penguins’ case to make the playoffs. The match against the Los Angeles Kings may not have ended with a victory for Crosby’s team, but it definitely put Murashov’s goaltending prowess on display, and let’s just say, fans are impressed.
One Penguins fan saw flashes of brilliance comparable to Marc-Andre Fleury in Murashov’s performance. The social media user was reminded of “The Flower” when they looked at the 21-year-old’s mindblowing save against the Kings. “Looks like his historic predecessor the flower.”
Another X user believes that a good defense corps is all that Murashov needs, and the team will have an elite netminder. “Get him some defenders and I think we got a good one,” he wrote.
According to this fan, the likes of Kris Letang and Karlsson need to work together to enable the rookie goaltender to produce at an elite level and contribute to the team’s success.
An ardent fan of the franchise marveled at the beauty of a save that Murashov orchestrated, calling the 21-year-old goalie, “My goaltender.” Yet the suave move took another aback, who could not help but express their awe for Murashov, “What a save.”
The Penguins have stormed into this season, defying any preconceptions about their performance. While it is too early to say if the early success will culminate in a postseason appearance, considering Crosby’s leadership, Karlsson’s resurgence, and Murashov’s goaltending mettle, it will hardly be a surprise if the Penguins finally make the playoffs this season.
