Rookie Matt Murray will be back in goal tonight for the reeling Pittsburgh Penguins.
The 21-year-old made his NHL debut Saturday in a 2-1 loss to Carolina.
“I thought he really settled into the game the other night and I really liked what I saw,” Pittsburgh coach Sullivan told the Penguins’ website.
Just barely out of junior, Murray wasn’t expected to be in the NHL this season. But with Marc-Andre Fleury hurt, and after Jeff Zatkoff struggled Friday versus Boston, Murray is suddenly the Penguins’ go-to.
Murray had already gained the trust of Sullivan during their time together this season with AHL Wilkes-Barre.
“He’s a very good goalie. He’s got a calm demeanor,” Sullivan told the Post-Gazette. “I think his demeanor gives confidence to his team in front of him. He’s mature beyond his years as a young player and he’s a very competitive kid.”
Another 21-year-old, Joonas Korpisalo, will be in goal for Columbus. Korpisalo made 30 saves in Saturday’s 3-2 shootout win over the Flyers.
Elsewhere...
--- No word yet on a Ducks starter in Brooklyn, but Jaroslav Halak will be in goal for the Islanders.
--- Jake Allen for the Blues in Philadelphia, versus Steve Mason for the Flyers.
--- No word yet on a Capitals starter in Carolina, but Cam Ward will be in goal for the Hurricanes.
--- Dustin Tokarski for the Canadiens in Nashville, likely versus Pekka Rinne for Nashville.
--- Kari Lehtonen for the Stars in Minnesota, versus Devan Dubnyk for the Wild.
--- Jonathan Bernier (after getting his first win of the season Saturday) for the Leafs in Colorado, versus Semyon Varlamov (the NHL’s first star of the week) for the Avalanche.
--- Connor Hellebuyck for the Jets in Edmonton, versus Cam Talbot for the Oilers.