Penguins to Start Murashov Against Canadiens
Goaltender Sergei Murashov takes the crease against a surging Montreal team on October 31, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Hockey
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Is it a good strategy to test an inexperienced goaltender against a team on a winning streak?
The Pittsburgh Penguins will start Sergei Murashov at goaltender when they face the Montreal Canadiens on October 31, 2026. Montreal enters the matchup having won five of their last six games.
Why it matters
The Penguins are looking to recover after a 4-3 overtime loss to the Utah Mammoth on October 30. Murashov will be tasked with containing a Canadiens offense that has secured four consecutive victories.
Sergei Murashov enters the game with a 0-3-1 record, an .883 save percentage, and a 3.50 goals-against average. He currently maintains a .500 quality starts percentage.
The players
Sergei Murashov
He is the goaltender for the Pittsburgh Penguins currently holding a 0-3-1 record.
Pittsburgh Penguins
This is a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh competing in the National Hockey League.
Montreal Canadiens
This is a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal that has won five of their last six games.
Sidney Crosby
He is a veteran forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins who has tallied seven points in 13 games this season.
Erik Karlsson
He is a defenseman for the Pittsburgh Penguins who has recorded 13 points in his first 13 games.
The details
The Penguins are expected to dress the same 18 skaters used in their previous outing, maintaining the same line configurations practiced on Friday. Erik Karlsson, who has 13 points in 13 games, leads the team's production alongside Sidney Crosby, who has recorded seven points and three goals.
Timeline
October 17, 2026: Murashov last appeared against the Vegas Golden Knights.
October 30, 2026: The Penguins fell to the Utah Mammoth in overtime.
October 31, 2026, 12:25 p.m.: Pittsburgh held practice with existing line configurations.
October 31, 2026, 7:00 p.m. EDT: Puck drops for the game against the Canadiens.
November 2026: The NHL season will reach the quarter mark.
Season Trajectory
This game against Montreal represents a pivotal moment for the Penguins as they attempt to correct their course following recent losses. A strong performance here could prove essential for their positioning before the league season reaches the quarter mark in November.
The Penguins are fielding the same 18 skaters as their previous game, which suggests no immediate changes to the roster rotation. Erik Karlsson remains on pace to reach a point-per-game mark as the team approaches the November quarter-season milestone.
The takeaway
The Penguins are betting on continuity by keeping their current skaters on the ice during this difficult stretch of the season. Fans can watch if this consistency helps Murashov secure his first win of the year against a high-performing Montreal opponent.
Further reading
For more news on the team, visit the Pittsburgh Hockey section.
Live Poll
Is it a good strategy to test an inexperienced goaltender against a team on a winning streak?
