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Dan Muse shares insight into what comes next for Sergei Murashov after AHL demotion
Photo credit: DK Pittsburgh Sports
Penguins head coach Dan Muse is very impressed with Sergei Murashov's performances, and despite his demotion to the AHL, he has a bright future.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have hit their first real wall of the season. Having opened as one of the league's hottest teams, they've since stumbled through November with just three wins in ten games, slipping out of a playoff spot and into the Eastern Conference pack.
Still producing are Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, but the team structure has faded. Head coach Dan Muse has not hidden his frustration as he points to details and mistakes that were not there in October.
What the bright spot was for the Penguins during the rough month of November
But even in a rough month, one bright spot does stand out: rookie goaltender Sergei Murashov.
A 2022 118th overall draft pick, Murashov has, in short order, become one of the more intriguing young players for the Penguins. Poised and calm well beyond his age, his early NHL work has given fans reason for optimism.
He made his debut with a tight 3-2 loss against the Kings, stopping 24 of 27 shots. That was followed by a shutout against the Predators in Sweden, making him the fastest goalie in franchise history to earn his first NHL shutout.
His mature, thoughtful postgame demeanor has impressed everyone around the team.
Why Sergei Murashov's option to the AHL shouldn't be seen as a demotion
Most effusive in his praise has been Muse. Even when the rookie was optioned to the AHL, the coach pointed out that his preparation, competitiveness, and day-to-day consistency were rare for a young goalie.
"I'm not going to go into the full plan right now But as for what I've seen from him - he's extremely prepared and an incredible competitor. I love his day-to-day approach. Even going back to training camp, being around him, you could see how hard he competes every day in practice and how detailed his preparation is."
"For a younger player, it's really impressive. He's been very consistent in showing those traits - his off-ice preparation, his on-ice competitiveness, and of course the technical skill he brings. He's been very steady in displaying all of those qualities."
- Dan Muse
"For a younger player, it's really impressive. He's been very consistent in showing those traits - his off-ice preparation, his on-ice competitiveness, and of course the technical skill he brings. He's been very steady in displaying all of those qualities."
- Dan Muse
Muse made it plain that this move is not a setback but rather part of a development plan for a player with a bright future.
Murashov has been a welcome positive in an otherwise rough month, a reminder that the future in net for the Penguins is promising.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 27 | 117 ANSWERS Dan Muse shares insight into what comes next for Sergei Murashov after AHL demotion Should Sergei Murashov have remained in the NHL? | ||
| Yes | 82 | 70.1 % |
| No | 35 | 29.9 % |
| List of polls | ||