Unexpected Penguins Goalie May Crack NHL Roster Out of Camp After Dominant Showing
Photo credit: Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins have many tough decisions to make at training camp this fall, and Sergei Murashov is making the decision in the crease the most difficult.
Could the young netminder steal the show and crack the Penguins' roster already?
Murashov Showing Out
One of the brightest spots of the Pittsburgh Penguins' preseason training camp has been the emergence of goaltender Sergei Murashov. The 21-year old netminder has been described as the best goaltender at training camp by many, and is turning heads with each passing day.
Sergei Murashov has been called the best goalie «by a landslide» at camp. Dubas says they'll take the «two best goalies» out of camp.
Murashov went 12-3-0 with a .913 sv% and 2.64 GAA in his first taste of AHL action last year.
Will he crack the opening night roster?
Murashov went 12-3-0 with a .913 sv% and 2.64 GAA in his first taste of AHL action last year.
Will he crack the opening night roster?
Drafted in the 4th round of the NHL Entry Draft by Pittsburgh back in 2022, the Russian youngster has remained mostly under the radar for the duration of his career, appearing in only seven KHL games before making the jump to North America last season.
While Murashov didn't see any NHL action last season, the newcomer put up impressive stats during split time between the AHL and ECHL. Through 26 games played with the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL, Murashov posted a .922 save percentage, and a 9.13 save percentage throughout 16 games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins of the AHL.
His emergence as a legitimate option for the Penguins between the pipes has surprised many, as so few goalies make the jump to NHL action this early in their career.
Fans Weigh in on Murashov's Emergence
Murashov's performance has sparked much debate online about his usage this upcoming season, with mixed reactions across the board. Some feel as though the Pens should run the best available goaltenders, while others voiced a preference to let Murashov remain in the AHL, where he can play in competitive games and continue to refine his game.
"Even though he is the clear better goalie-the Penguins should not put him behind their defensive core this year. A young goalie like him could lose confidence fast-and he oozes it.
I want him in the AHL developing as much as he can."
I want him in the AHL developing as much as he can."
"If he doesn't, then they aren't taking the 2 best goalies. He is the best."
"I'd still love to see Murashov start year in AHL, crush his AHL time, then get a cpl games in NHL later in season.
ALWAYS want to over cook Goalies in development!!!"
ALWAYS want to over cook Goalies in development!!!"
"11 goals against in 3 playoff games for an .857 against Literally The ECHL Norfolk Admirals says otherwise"
Whatever the end result is, it's clear that the Penguins have a legitimate goaltender in their hands.
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