Matt Murray gets the start versus the Montreal Canadiens tonight

The Pittsburgh Penguins had a decision to make for tonight’s first game of the Stanley Cup Qualifier versus the Montreal Canadiens: whether to start Matt Murray or Tristan Jarry in net. After evaluating the situation, head coach Mike Sullivan has decided to go with experience.

It’s not exactly a glowing endorsement of Murray’s ability, hinting that he has the luxury of going to another goalie of nearly equal ability, Tristan Jarry, if Murray doesn’t perform to the necessary level. He’s banking on his goaltender’s history of championship performances, though Murray hasn’t displayed that same form in the past two post-season appearances for Pittsburgh, and the coach clearly won’t hesitate to make a move if that streak runs to three years.

As for Montreal, there’s no question about who the starter will be. As long as he’s healthy, Carey Price will be the man between the pipes, and his play will be a major factor in deciding the Canadiens’ fate in the post-season.