Dan Muse Faces Backlash Over Penguins Goalie Choice Against Capitals
Photo credit: Edit from The Hockey News
Penguins coach Dan Muse has decided to start Arturs Silovs tonight vs. the Capitals, and NHL insider Josh Yohe is none too pleased and called it a buzz kill.
Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Dan Muse confirmed that Arturs Silovs will start in goal for tonight's matchup against the Washington Capitals at PPG Paints Arena.
Silovs takes an overall record of 3-2-2, a 2.66 goals-against average, and a .913 save percentage into tonight's contest. It will be his first career game against the Capitals.
As expected, the decision was met with plenty of debate. NHL insider Josh Yohe called the decision to start Silovs over Sergei Murashov illogical, insinuating it makes little sense from either a business or hockey perspective.
"The decision to start Silovs tonight doesn't make sense from a business standpoint. I'm not sure that it does from a hockey standpoint, either. Definite buzz kill for the fan base."
- Josh Yohe
- Josh Yohe
The Capitals have been lacking offense this season and are likely tired from playing last night, so starting Sergei Murashov could have worked well
With the Washington Capitals having been largely anemic offensively this season, outside of last night's barrage, the decision feels like a deflating one to many Penguins fans hopeful to see Murashov make his highly anticipated NHL debut.
On the injury front, rookie forward Filip Hallander is out on a day-to-day basis after leaving Wednesday's practice early. To replace him, the Penguins recalled forward Joona Koppanen from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.
Koppanen, who has two points in six AHL contests, projects to slot in as a depth center option.
On defense, rookie Harrison Brunicke projects to be a healthy scratch, with his status in limbo. The 19-year-old sits at nine NHL games played, still one game shy of triggering the first year of his entry-level contract.
Also expected to play their first game of the season are defenseman Ryan Graves and forward Danton Heinen, who were recalled from the AHL earlier in the week. Both went through waivers prior to the start of the season.
While line-up decisions for Muse are obviously meant to balance development and competition, the fan base will be watching closely to see whether Silovs can perform well, and if debate on Murashov's missed opportunity gets any louder.
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