Sergei Murashov made his long awaited National Hockey League debut after receiving an AHL goaltender of the month award to his already impressive resume. Murashov has gained the hearts and support of every Penguins fan as he very well could be the goaltender of the future.
Murashov faced a more veteran team in the Los Angeles Kings in his first NHL game. Marc Andre Fleury in his first NHL start also faced the Los Angeles Kings in a 4-2 defeat. Today, Murashov faced the same team and result as Flower did.
Sergei today faced 27 shots on goal, he stopped 24 of 27 and had a save percentage of .889 and was given a loss in his first NHL start. The statistics did not define how he played in today's game. The goals that were scored weren't on him and more were on his teammates. Parker Wotherspoon tipped a goal in his own net that Murashov did not expect, he was also hung out to dry on both the second game tying goal (scored by Corey Perry) and the game winning goal (Kevin Fiala).
Murashov showed that he is very capable of handling the NHL level pressure, hype and being that true goalie of the future for this Penguins hockey team.
The other side of the coin today away from the debut of Murashov, was the disheartning loss the Penguins suffered today to the Kings.
The Penguins dominated a lot of the first and second period despite the fact, the NHL officials took the game over with three second period power-plays for the Kings and withstood some onslaught attacks from the Kings. The third period was a different story as the Penguins were heavily dominated and pushed around, sloppy and not on point which led to the 3-2 loss. The Penguins outshot the Kings in every period, outhit, blocked more shots.
Kris Letang continues to struggle
Kris Letang has been a heavy dissapointment so far this season and seems to be a shell of the player he once used to be. Letang was the sole reason the devils got the lone goal in Saturday's match-up in New Jersey where he handed the puck away. The story remained the same today as his woes showed heavily and was a liability today finishing the game with a -1 and a couple of big giveaways.
Ben Kindel got his welcome to the NHL moment
Ben Kindel near the end of his final shift on the first period was crunched hard into the boards near the blue-line by Brandt Clarke. No penalty was called on the play as Kindel almost turned into the hit. Kindel did not return to the bench for the rest of the first period and only returned a quarter of the way through the second period. Kindel however got up very quickly and was able to skate off on his own. His face met the boards hard which seemed to cut him and leave a good imprint on those boards. He did return and play the rest of the game, this will be something to monitor.
Head Coach Dan Muse spoke on the loss today and continued to speak on some defensive struggles that have been a common thing as of late.
"I think we could have put ourselves in some better spots defensively, They had opportunities to come into the zone with a lot of time and space too often."Dan Muse on his defense today against LA
The Penguins have a long break to rest up and get healthy as they head across the globe to Stockholm, Sweden. They will face the Predators in the Global Series on November 14, and November 16, where they will meet both times with four crucial bounce back points up for grabs.