Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Matt Murray could be back in goal tonight against the New York Islanders.
For the moment he is healthy again after coming back from his latest injury, a concussion suffered in practice. He seems likely to start, but the Penguins don’t announce their starting goaltender until closer to game time.
For some reason Penguins coach Mike Sullivan likes to play “I’ve Got a Secret” with his netminder decisions.
Murray last played Feb. 24. Overall he is 23-13-2 this season with a 2.82 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage.
But last month Murray looked more like his old self while going 7-1-1 with a 2.57 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage. He scraped off his rust after missing time due to his father’s grave illness and death.
The Penguins returned Tristan Jarry to the minors to make room for Murray and kept fellow prospect Casey DeSmith in the NHL.
ELSEWHERE ON THE GOALTENDER FRONT
Tuesday was a busy day at this position. Here are the other updates:
- Frederik Andersen will be back in goal for the Toronto Maple Leafs after recovering from a minor upper-body injury. He ranks fourth in the NHL this season with 33 victories.
- Carter Hutton (16-7-3, 2.02 GAA, .934 save percentage) skated on his own for the St. Louis Blues Tuesday, but he won’t be available to play Wednesday against the Boston Bruins. He had supplanted Jake Allen as the No. 1 goaltender before suffering a neck injury.
- Michael Neuvirth is back for the Philadelphia Flyers after recovering from his lower-body injury, but the team is sticking with Petr Mrazek as the starter for now. Brian Elliott, who filled the starter role for much of the season, has resumed skating and could play again before the regular season ends. Elliott is coming back from a lower-body injury he aggravated while making a save.
- Kari Lehtonen takes over for the Dallas Stars with Ben Bishop shelved by a left knee injury. Initially the Stars said Bishop would be reevaluated in two weeks, but the team should offer a clearer timetable for his return Thursday.
- Montreal Canadiens star Carey Price should start soon after recovering from his concussion. He missed 13 games, then filled the back-up role Monday night.
