If Marc-Andre Fleury suiting up bothers Matt Murray, then the rookie goalie channeled those feelings into a masterful performance on Monday.
The Washington Capitals absolutely dominated Game 3, but Murray was even better, stopping 47 shots as the Penguins stole one 3-2 to take a 2-1 series lead.
(Capitals fans might see some parallels to Washington’s Game 5 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers; they fell 2-0 despite a 44-11 shots on goal edge thanks to Michal Neuvirth’s heroics.)
Only two other @penguins goalies have made 47+ saves in a regulation playoff game (via @EliasSports). #WSHvsPIT pic.twitter.com/Kha0uvVa24
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) May 3, 2016
Murray stopped chance after chance before Alex Ovechkin finally broke through for his first goal of this series. Justin Williams then brought the Penguins’ lead down to 3-2 to make for a hold-your-breath final minute.
Patric Hornqvist: "They were the way better team all night."
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 3, 2016
#capitals 85 shots attempt on Matt Murray. #penguins 36 on Braden Holtby. #tvasports
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) May 3, 2016
A driven Ovechkin and strong overall play from the Capitals (despite this defeat) aren’t the only reasons why Game 4 might present some twists.
Alex Ovechkin: Goal, assist, seven SOGs, 18 Corsis, nine hits.
— Corey Masisak (@cmasisak22) May 3, 2016
First things first: Kris Letang might get suspended for Game 4 (if not for more than one game) thanks to this controversial check on Marcus Johansson.
Beyond that, there could be some bumps and bruises from this contest.
Bryan Rust left during the first period and didn’t return to the game after blocking a shot. Brian Dumoulin seemed shaken up after an Alex Ovechkin hit in the third period. The Capitals might have a player or two to look at, as well.
In other words, the Penguins could really lack for quality defensemen with Letang possibly suspended and possible injury absences for Dumoulin and Olli Maatta.
This series is living up to the hype ... and really building up the hate.