Penguins Take A Goaltending Gamble Against Surging Canadiens

The Pittsburgh Penguins have chosen goaltender Sergei Murashov to start Saturday night's matchup against the Montreal Canadiens. Josh Getzoff confirmed the decision, which writer Todd Matthews considers a gamble given Montreal's recent surge of four consecutive wins. Murashov enters the contest with an 0-3-1 record, an .883 save percentage, and a 3.50 GAA, having last played on October 17 in a 6-2 defeat to the Vegas Golden Knights.

Pittsburgh is expected to dress the same 18 skaters featured in their 4-3 overtime defeat to the Utah Mammoth. The projected lineup pairs Sidney Crosby with Tommy Novak and Rickard Rakell on the top line, while points leader Erik Karlsson is slated to skate alongside Spencer Stastney on defense. The Penguins are looking to rebound and avoid losing ground in the Metropolitan Division standings.