Pittsburgh saw a small sampling of what the Penguins’ goaltending future may look like in the absence of Marc-Andre Fleury a few short weeks ago. Matt Murray was called up from the AHL following Fleury’s concussion, and finished his short stint going 2-1-1 with a 1.72 goals-against average and a .938 save percentage.
To the sadness of some, Murray was re-assigned back to the AHL after the Penguins activated Fleury from the injury list. But at this point in time, it is much more beneficial for Murray to play every night than be the backup to one of the league’s best goalies.
“I told Matt when I was coaching him in Wilkes-Barre, I think he’s an NHL-caliber goalie,” said Penguins coach Mike Sullivan to the press following the news Murray was sent down. “We feel that strongly, that he’s that good. He’s a young guy and he needs to continue to play to track that way,”
The tall goalie used his long legs to good use on several occasions during his brief time in the NHL. Broadcast announcers and analysts alike complimented the young goalie in his natural abilities and quick reflexes behind the net. Last year was Murray’s first full season in the AHL as he played 40 games and finished the season with a .941 save percentage and allowed 1.58 goals per game.
ICYMI:Former @WBSPenguins goalie @mattmurray_30 was on ???????????? last night in PIT! Check his highlight reel against TOR: https://t.co/JXzTiterFU
— AHL (@TheAHL) December 31, 2015
Murray came up to the national stage at a time when the Penguins were struggling on all sides of the ice, but still managed a way to give Pittsburgh two wins that began putting their season back on track. This season alone in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, the young goalie out of Thunder Bay, Ontario, has continued to make meaningful strides to one day become a permanent fixture around Pittsburgh’s net.
Although just a little bite of what the third-round 2012 draft pick has to offer, he was able to get critical experience while also raising his confidence if he should ever have to fill in again. Murray will also be participating in this year’s AHL All-Star after being selected this season.
“I was pretty nervous, I think, my first couple of games and I made a couple of mistakes due to that,” Murray told the press before his reassignment. “But the more I play, the more comfortable I feel,” Murray continued.
Murray is very mature for his age and position. He understood how important his time in the NHL was and knows that he will find himself on pro ice again.
“I always have that confidence in myself that I can not only play at this level, but I can be a pretty good goalie at this level,” Murray said. “That’s key, I think. If you’re going to do some good things in this league, you have to have confidence in yourself.”
It is unlikely we will see the netminder anymore this season, barring an unforeseen injury, but Pittsburgh should be excited for a future team that does not include Fleury. The day will come that Fleury will no longer be a part of this team, but Murray has given coaches and the front office one less thing to worry about when that day comes.
