Penguins' Matt Murray to make first start of 2017 playoffs
Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Matt Murray will start his first game of the 2017 playoffs Friday in Ottawa with pressure mounting on the defending champions.
The Senators lead the Eastern Conference final 2-1.
Murray injured himself during warmups in Game 1 of the first round, prompting the Penguins to turn to veteran Marc-Andre Fleury.
Fleury was pulled in the Penguins’ 5-1 Game 3 loss to the Senators on Wednesday night after giving up four goals on nine shots in 12:52. During Pittsburgh's run, Fleury has still posted a 9-6 record with a 2.56 goals-average and .924 save percentage. He played just 38 games during the regular season as Murray took control of the No. 1 job.
"That's been a hard decision for this coaching staff all year long," Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said, via ESPN. "It's a good, difficult decision to have because we have two guys that are as capable as they are. Both these guys have helped this team win all year long."
Murray, 22, helped lead the Penguins to the Stanley Cup title last season, posting a 2.08 GAA and .923 SV% in the process. He had a 2.41 GAA and .923 SV% during the regular season. He last started a game April 6 against the New Jersey Devils.