PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Penguins are sticking with rookie goaltender Matt Murray.
Coach Mike Sullivan announced Monday that Murray will remain in the net for Game 6 of his team’s Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Washington Capitals. Murray has started eight straight playoff games for the Penguins, going 6-2 with a 1.96 goals-against average to help Pittsburgh take a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.
The 21-year-old Murray gave up three goals on 19 shots in a 3-1 loss in Game 5. Sullivan, however, has praised Murray’s play while filling in for veteran Marc-Andre Fleury.
Fleury hasn’t played since suffering a concussion on March 31. Fleury spent the last three games as Murray’s backup and will stay in that role as the Penguins try to advance to the Eastern Conference finals for the second time in four years.