Penguins Murray Being Evaluated for Another Upper Body Injury

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA — Pittsburgh Penguins are evaluating goalie Matt Murray for an upper-body injury.

Murray was a no-show for the Penguins practice, Wednesday at the UPMC Lemieux complex.

Head coach Mike Sullivan was clear it is not a concussion. “It wasn’t a maintenance day. He’s being evaluated for an upper-body injury,” he said. “It’s not a concussion.”

Sullivan said Murray would make the trip to Florida and accompany the team on the upcoming three-game road trip, which goes includes Florida, Tampa Bay, and Philadelphia in five days.

Murray fell to the ice in the first period against Carolina, Tuesday night after appearing to be elbowed, but he finished the game and held a postgame media scrum. The Penguins lost to Carolina, 4-0. 

Murray stopped 28 of 31 shots against Carolina but allowed three goals, including a breakaway tally in the final minute by Andrei Svechnikov, the 2018 second overall pick.

Murray has been injury prone throughout his short career. Pending the evaluation, Murray will miss time for the third time this season.

Murray, 24, was placed on IR for a lower-body injury on Nov. 22. He missed just over one month. And he lost time with a concussion early in the season. This season is Murray’s third full NHL season and fourth year in the NHL. If he misses time with the injury, it would also be the 10th time.

The goaltender has missed time with four lower body injuries including a torn groin, a broken hand, one upper body injury, and three concussions. Casey DeSmith will assume starting duties should Murray be absent.

Given the pending evaluation, the Penguins have not yet announced the recall of Tristan Jarry to serve as a backup.