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Three Takeaways From Pittsburgh Penguins Season-Opening Loss

By Chris Ross

PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 16: Matt Murray #30 of the Pittsburgh Penguins makes a save during the third period in Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round against the New York Islanders at PPG PAINTS Arena on April 16, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 16: Matt Murray #30 of the Pittsburgh Penguins makes a save during the third period in Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round against the New York Islanders at PPG PAINTS Arena on April 16, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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Matt Murray, Pittsburgh Penguins
PITTSBURGH, PA – APRIL 14: Matt Murray #30 of the Pittsburgh Penguins allows to a goal to Jordan Eberle #7 of the New York Islanders during the first period in Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG PAINTS Arena on April 14, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

Matt Murray is Underrated

Had it not been for the solid play of goaltender Matt Murray, the final score of Thursday’s game may have looked much worse. After 38 saves on 41 shots against him, Murray showed just how good he is en route to a 93% save percentage. With the leaky defense Pittsburgh has been playing dating back to last season, Murray is under pressure to perform constantly. Luckily for the Penguins, he has been up to the challenge. Despite his solid play, Murray is rarely viewed as one of the best at the position. Maybe he isn’t the flashiest or most talented, but there’s something to be said for the solidness of Murray’s play.

Considering Murray was tasked with taking over for a franchise legend after Marc-Andre Fleury, he has done as well as possible under big expectations. His response to the pressure has been admirable. With a 91.6% save percentage over the last three years, Murray has proven himself as one of the NHL’s better goaltenders. Against the Sabres, Murray faced some tough shots, and while he allowed three scores, he did all he could with almost no support.

Hopefully, for both Murray and Pittsburgh’s fate, the team’s defense can show some improvement moving forward. The near-constant breakdowns can not continue if this team truly wants to return to the NHL’s elite. With that in mind, Murray has shown that although it’s not ideal, he can handle the pressure. Murray is a guy that deserves more respect when it comes to where he ranks among professional goalies.

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