Matt Murray wasn’t supposed to start for the Pittsburgh Penguins during this postseason run. Marc-Andre Fleury, suffering from a concussion, was first spelled by Jeff Zatkoff against the New York Rangers. Murray eventually got his shot and it’s been a huge success for Pittsburgh thus far. In 15 playoff games the rookie has a .924 save percentage after posting a .930 in a 13 regular season games.
These numbers mirror what he did for the AHL Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins. Murray posted a .941 save percentage in 40 games with the baby Penguins in 2014 and in 31 games this past season notched a .931. Those numbers have translated into NHL success so far. This will make for an interesting decision come offseason time for the Penguins, but for now Pittsburgh is more than happy to ride this wave.
Name: Matt Murray
Number/Position: #30 / Goalie
Born: May 25, 1994 (22)
Birthplace: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 178
Catches: Left
Drafted: 3rd (83rd overall) by Pittsburgh in 2012
Assets
Owns an exceptional frame (6-4) for the goaltending position at the highest level, plus the confidence and icy-cool demeanor needed to excel. Also boasts great athleticism.
Flaws
Needs to bulk up a bit so as to maximize his ability to play a lot of games at the highest level (and thrive while doing so). Needs to learn shooters’ tendencies better.
Career Potential
Talented goaltender with good upside.
(Assets, Flaws and Career Potential via The Hockey News player page)
As many of you know, Fear the Fin is an independent site run by Sharks fans for Sharks fans. Help keep Fear the Fin independent by contributing to our