Penguins fans got a first look at goaltender Sergei Murashov’s athleticism and agility when the 2022 fourth-round pick made his NHL preseason debut on Monday night against the Canadiens.
After taking over
for Joel Blomqvist in the second half of the preseason opener, Murashov made 19 saves on 20 shots through 1.5 periods and overtime.
That included a highlight-reel grab on a point-blank chance from Ivan Demidov.
Murashov then turned aside three of five chances in the shootout, stopping Demidov, Patrik Laine and Filip Cesar before Oliver Kapanen beat him on the game-winning goal.
The 21-year-old netminder was particularly happy to have made those two game-saving stops on Demidov, whom he had battled in the MHL, Russia’s junior league, according to Penguins reporter Michelle Crechiolo.
The Penguins will meanwhile be pleased with the ability to get quickly from side to side of the net that Murashov displayed during his 34:55 on the ice Monday night.
Murashov has been surrounded by plenty of hype heading into camp after recording franchise-record rookie win streaks in both the AHL and ECHL during his first season in North America.
With the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, Murashov went 12-3 with a 2.64 goals against average and a .913 save percentage with one shutout.
He’s now getting some glowing reviews from his Penguins teammates during training camp.
From Tristan Broz after Monday night’s preseason loss, via Crechiolo: “He’s such a stud. I love him so much. I wish we could have got that win for him. He deserved it. He’s such a great player and such an inspiring person. So, it was fun to see him do his thing out there. I’m sure he’ll build and get better off of it.”
From Bryan Rust earlier in training camp, via The Athletic’s Josh Yohe: “Yeah, I have noticed him. In fact, I noticed him last year, too. Even before camp this year, I noticed him. It’s hard not to notice him. He’s that much better this year.”
More from Rust: “His athleticism and natural ability are one thing. But what I really see is his work ethic, his competitiveness, how he never gives up on plays. We just seem him putting the work in every day. All of those things add up over time for a goalie.”
Joel Blomqvist meanwhile made 11 saves on 11 shots while playing the first 30 minutes of Monday’s preseason opener.
Penguins head coach Dan Muse said about both goaltenders after the game, per Crechiolo: “You want hard decisions. We want guys to be constantly taking advantage of opportunities. Both guys came over tonight and played really well.”
With Tristan Jarry still on the roster heading into the season, and Blomqvist joining Arturs Silovs and Filip Larsson in competing for playing time, there’s no guarantee as to which level Murashov will be playing at next season.
Dubas has told reporters that the goaltenders’ preseason and training camp performances will matter more than their contract status, but Jarry’s $5.375 million cap hit is still something the Penguins will have to take into consideration when shaping the roster.
But Dubas has said repeatedly, especially amid comments from Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin about wanting to win again, that the Penguins are “urgently” trying to rebuild.
Having a goaltender with Murashov’s potential, especially the quick movements he flashed against the Habs on Monday night, could eventually end up as a key building block in constructing a contender in the future.
