Pittsburgh Penguins: Matt Murray’s NHL 18 Rating Revealed

The EA Sports video game NHL 18 is set to be released on September 15, 2017. On August 25, EA released a list of the Top Ten Goalies in the game, and Pittsburgh Penguin Matt Murray deservedly made the cut.

The players earn ratings from 1-99 based on their overall performance and skill. Matt Murray pulled an 88 overall, making him the 5th highest rated goaltender in the game. Not bad for a (kind of) sophomore year player.

From EASports.com:

"5. Matt Murray – 88 overallSince storming onto the scene during the Pittsburgh Penguins 2015-16 Stanley Cup victory, Matt Murray has been one of the very best netminders in the NHL. After the Penguins’ 2016-17 Stanley Cup Championship last year, he became the only netminder in NHL history to win two Stanley Cups as a rookie. He’s one of the best at stopping high shots, boasting a Glove High (90) and Stick High (90)."

Judging by the screenshot of Murray’s player card, it seems his lowest ratings are 85’s in ‘Durability’ and ‘Poise’. While he’s still young and hasn’t ran into too much injury trouble, it’s hard to judge his Durability.

That poise rating however, is dreadfully underrated. The man stepped in to replace one of the most beloved goaltenders in the league in his rookie season. And then he won the Stanley Cup.

Then in his “official” rookie season, he did it again.

When it comes to Cups per season, Murray is batting 1.000. He doesn’t scare easily. Net minders have to be the most focused player on the ice and Murray has proved to be mentally mature beyond his years.

So I’m going to disagree, and say there is NO WAY that ‘poise’ would be one of Matt Murray’s weak points.

On the flip side, if that’s the only stat I have to complain about, I suppose they did a decent job rating our boy.

What About Phil?

Not much can be made of the rest of the ratings, as individual players are being released in the coming weeks. EA did however release a statement saying that player ratings would be lower than years past.

This information helped douse the hell-fire that sparked in my soul when I read Phil Kessel was rocking an 86 overall.

I though this was Team USA all over again, but it turns out they aren’t snubbing the Thrill.

Next: Pens' 2017-18 Metropolitan Division Preview

Be on the lookout for more Penguins news, and be sure to follow me, @thesamcampbell and @PensLabyrinthFS on Twitter!