While everyone is discussing who should be Pittsburgh Penguins’ starting goalkeeper, Matt Murray decided to shift his focus elsewhere. Speaking with media on Tuesday, Murray said that he isn’t too concerned about Penguin’s goalie competition and instead is focused on putting his “best effort on the ice every time.”
Murray was the Penguins undisputed starting goalkeeper entering the 2019/20 NHL season, but some struggling performances forced head coach Mike Sullivan to give more playing time to Tristan Jarry. In return, Jarry led the team to 20-12-1 record with 2.43 goal against average, three shutouts, and .921 save and earned his first All-Star appearance.
Now, as the NHL season resumes, Penguins face the dilemma of whether to “ride the hot hand” with Jarry or go back to experienced Murray, who helped them to Stanley Cup trophies two times before.
Despite this uncertainty, Murray is determined not to let it consume him.
“I can only control what’s in my control,” Murray told reporters in a conference call. “That’s putting my best effort on the ice every time. The rest will take care of itself. I know if I compete and work really hard, the rest will fall into place. So that’s where my focus is at.”
Matt Murray is coming off a career-low production this season, having .899 save percentage with a 2.87 goals-against average in 38 games. Still, he has 48 games in the playoffs compared to Jarry’s zero, which he probably hopes it will work in his favor.
Penguins are set to resume the season with a best-of-five series against Montreal Canadiens next month.
