Matt Murray Starts; Expected Penguins Lines vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

The Pittsburgh Penguins coaches have been vigorously juggling the lines through the first five games of the season. Last Saturday, the Penguins lines didn’t resemble their last full practice, the day before. This season, the Penguins morning skates have been optional, and complete line rushes have not occurred.

The only thing of which we can be mostly sure, Penguins number one goaltender Matt Murray will start. Murray was the first goalie off the ice this morning which puts him in line to start. Murray has not started since the Penguins announced he suffered a concussion sometime during or after the second game of the season, against Montreal.

Rookie defenseman Juuso Riikola had a day off, Wednesday, but returned to skate Thursday in Toronto. He is expected to maintain the right side defense on the third pairing with Johnson. And there is some confusion on the fourth line center. Riley Sheahan appeared to take some line work on the left wing, Wednesday, with Matt Cullen at center.