One would imagine that Matt Murray’s job is safe, at least for Game 2.
The guy behind him has a Stanley Cup ring and a $5.75 million cap hit, so any loss will probably prompt people to bring up the name Marc-Andre Fleury.
The question, naturally, is how likely will it be to see Mike Sullivan turn to Fleury instead of Murray against the Tampa Bay Lightning? Perhaps to little surprise during these tight-lipped times in the playoffs, Sullivan played coy.
Sullivan on the goalie situation: "We leave all options open at every position." #Pens
— Wes Crosby (@OtherNHLCrosby) May 14, 2016
Even so, Sullivan didn’t throw Murray under the bus by any means.
“As far as what went on last night, we feel as though Matt had a very strong game,” Sullivan said. “The goals that were scored were high-quality chances. Very difficult saves. So I don’t think it’s an instance where Matt had a sub-par performance.”
He then reiterated that it doesn’t mean that the Penguins won’t turn to Fleury regardless.
Still, Murray’s bailed out the Penguins more than once this postseason, and who knows how rusty “The Flower” might be? Judge for yourself if Murray put Pittsburgh in a position to compete in Game 1: