Ok what do the Pens do with Murray? With a save % south of .900, Murray is shaky at best. Jarry is killing it and is the clear #1 today. DeSmith is playing reasonably well in WBS. So is it time to shop Murray? Yes he is just 25 but he doesn't seem overly capable when he is asked to win a game on his own. He seems to thrive when the defense in front of him can protect him from moving laterally (him more than other goalies). So far this year, he has been poor all around and cost the pens several points by allowing atrocious goals late. He is a RFA after the year so the Pens are going to have to make a decision at some point.
I'll have a go, as best I can...
Their is little doubt he's been nothing short of hot garbage this year. In saying that however, he has gotten off to slow starts before, and this year is no exception. His save percentage over a fairly long stretch last year straightened itself out. The 4 and out vs the Isles? Well NO GOALIE was rectifying that abomination when your O completely disappears.
Several factors to consider... do the Pens believe Jarry is legit the #1 starter after 14 or 15 games this year? He's had quite a run, and I take NOTHING away from the kid. But let's face it, pitching shutouts every other game is not sustainable long term. I wanna see a fair amount more of sample size before reacting potentially irrationally.
Murray has been (deservedly ) stapled to the bench for the majority of a few weeks now , with exception Detroit which I thought he was actually pretty good, perhaps one weak one that night. Don't we wanna see how he reacts to the push? I've often mentioned before since back in the days of Flower tandem he NEEDS the push.
Speaking of tandems that imo is a pretty ideal scenario to have. Pens had it over the two recent Cup runs to great effect. Do you trust Jarry and Casey to be that tandem and win us all a Cup? I don't personally. We had the vet pushed by the whipper snapper at that point and it worked out pretty damn well imo.
Trade value, what is it at this point? If he's going through a period of suckage, certainly not the ideal time to trade him.
Goalie styles, his is FAR different than the smaller more acrobatic Jarry, it is all based on sound (when he applies them) positional percentages and pure size. I like this combo as it's quite similar to the Flower/Murr variety. Teams must prepare/ study differently for both, and if played correctly they suffer for it.
The WRENCH, Seattle expansion...ha, we've been here before fairly recent haven't we, if both are here and plenty of variables till then (contract decisions, playoff implications, etc), well it's a wild card depending on performance all around the ice.
I'll also add did that miserable SOB the old #35 win many games on his own back in the day? Nope, not to the best of my recollection, however he WAS just what the Pens needed at the time. Different style of play as a stand up netminder but still a VERY big boy and a goaltender based on percentages and positional play.
Long and short is , yes I am a bit of a Murray fan boy (but I do and will criticize when warranted , like now), but I wanna see this play out further based on the above. That's my 2 or 3 cents.
