This is the 17th installment in a series of profiles of members of the Penguins' major-league roster, as listed on the team's website. There will be one each weekday until all players have been addressed.
MATT MURRAY
Age: 25
Size: 6 foot 4, 178 pounds
Position: Goalie
Acquired: Third-round draft choice, 2012
Salary-cap hit: $3.75 million, through 2019-20.
2018-19 NHL stats: 29-16-6, with a 2.69 goals-against average and .919 save percentage in 50 games.
How he fits: Murray is the No. 1 goalie, and figures to get 60 or so starts if he stays healthy.
Shortcomings: He's been prone to giving up goals on his glove-hand side for much of his career, and has endured a number of injury issues, including concussions. Murray also has allowed a surprising number of soft goals for a goaltender of his caliber.
Strengths: He has a reputation for playing well in high-stakes situations, and has two Stanley Cup rings to prove it. Murray doesn't get rattled by anything, including opposing forwards who bowl him over in the crease.
Hidden variable: If Murray could add a little more bulk to his frame, he might be able to better absorb the physical abuse he gets from opponents who go after him physically. Unfortunately, it seems as if it's been at least as difficult for him to put on weight as it is for many people to lose it.
2019-20 expectations: Murray missed much of the early part of last season while recovering from a concussion, but rebounded in a big way and was a major factor in the second-half surge that made it possible for the Penguins to sneak into the playoffs.
The big question: Will Murray be able to avoid major lost-time injuries and, if so, can he consistently perform at the level the Penguins will need if they hope to challenge for first place in the Metropolitan Division?
All profiles to date can be found here.
To continue reading, log into your account:
