STOCKHOLM — Sergei Murashov is not with the team to collect dust.
Pittsburgh Penguins coach Dan Muse tapped the rookie goaltender for the start Sunday afternoon against the Nashville Predators. The 3 p.m. game (9 a.m. EST) is the second of two contests as part of the NHL’s Global Series in Stockholm.
Nashville beat the Penguins 2-1 in overtime Friday in the first game.
Murashov, 21, will make his second NHL start. He stopped 24 of 27 shots Last Sunday in a 3-2 loss to the LA Kings at PPG Paints Arena. The game was the second of three straight Penguins losses, though Murashov’s performance drew overwhelmingly positive reviews.
“He’s so good. You can tell just from watching him practice. It was cool to be a part of his debut,” said Penguins winger Tommy Novak after Murashov’s debut on Nov. 9. “I’m no goalie expert, but there is not much not to like there. So athletic and so poised, an impressive young goalie. I’m sure you all will be watching him for a long time.”
Ville Koivunen
It has been a rough NHL beginning for Penguins winger Ville Koivunen. After bursting into the lineup late last season, amassing seven assists in the Penguins’ final eight games, he has struggled this season.
Koivunen was reassigned to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins after just two games this season. Upon his recall, he has struggled to put forth a consistent game, and did not register a shot attempt Friday.
He has just two assists in 11 games this season.
Koivunen, 22, is out Sunday. Muse termed him day-to-day with a lower-body injury. His absence means Philip Tomasino will remain in the lineup, and Danton Heinen, who was scratched Friday, will draw into the lineup.
Koivunen left practice early Thursday.
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