![\"9027739_web1_ptr-pensminors-101225\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/9027739_web1_ptr-pensMinors-101225.jpg\"\/ "\\"9027739_web1_ptr-pensminors-101225\\"")
<\/p>\nSergei Murashov experienced a career and life moment Thursday.<\/p>\n
The Pittsburgh Penguins goaltending prospect dressed for an NHL game.<\/p>\n
OK, sure, he didn\u2019t actually play in the game, and the most strenuous activity he was engaged in was opening and closing the bench door as teammates made line changes during a 5-3 win against the hated Washington Capitals at PPG Paints Arena.<\/p>\n
But being part of a lineup for an NHL game of consequence offered quite a bit to the young Russian who tends to view things with a profound perspective.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a good experience before an actual game because you see how it all works,\u201d Murashov said Friday in Cranberry. \u201cYou can imagine yourself playing. You\u2019re preparing for the game and see just different developments. You\u2019re not scared to jump into that.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a good experience before a real game.\u201d<\/p>\n
It remains to be seen when Murashov\u2019s first appearance in a real game will be, but it\u2019s a good bet the 21-year-old will make his NHL debut this weekend in one of two afternoon contests on back-to-back days.<\/p>\n
The Penguins visit the New Jersey Devils on Saturday, then host the Los Angeles Kings on Sunday.<\/p>\n
Coach Dan Muse declined to identify his starting goaltender for either entanglement Friday, but Murashov seems more than prepared \u2014 but also very patient \u2014 for the moment.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would say no rush in time for me,\u201d Murashov said. \u201cToday is a good day for practice. Just preparing. Maybe playing, maybe not. Obviously, it\u2019s a dream from childhood. But just keeping my presence with me and be ready if I play.\u201d<\/p>\n
His play in the American Hockey League this season would suggest that. In seven games with Wilkes-Barre\/Scranton, Murashov had a 5-2-0 record, a 1.73 goals-against average, a .931 save percentage and one shutout.<\/p>\n
With veteran starter Tristan Jarry sidelined by an undisclosed injury, Murashov was recalled to the NHL roster Tuesday.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe works really hard,\u201d said defenseman Ryan Graves, who was summoned from Northeast Pennsylvania on the same day. \u201cHe takes his craft seriously. He works really hard in practice. He\u2019s a really good guy. He takes care of himself.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe genuinely enjoys the game.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
KDP Studio <\/p>\n
In seven games with the Wilkes-Barre\/Scranton Penguins this season, goaltender Sergei Murashov has a 5-2-0 record.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Penguins, under former general manager Ron Hextall, used a fourth-round draft pick on Murashov (No. 118 overall) in the 2022 NHL Draft.<\/p>\n
Given that he was acquired with a mid-range draft selection, as well as the always uncertain nature of getting prospects out of Russia, there weren\u2019t a ton of external expectations \u2014 good or bad \u2014 for Murashov, who catches the puck with his right hand, something of a rarity in hockey.<\/p>\n
(Right-catching goaltenders are often referred to as \u201csilly siders.\u201d)<\/p>\n
Mainly, there were questions over when \u2014 or if \u2014 he could come to North America, given the geopolitical complications of his home country, which, more often than not, create impediments for professional athletes.<\/p>\n
So, when he attended a prospect development camp and then signed a three-year entry-level contract in July 2024, there was a measure of surprise over him simply being here in the Western Hemisphere.<\/p>\n
The success he has enjoyed with Wilkes-Barre\/Scranton \u2014 as well as with the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL last season \u2014 shouldn\u2019t be a surprise.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s poised,\u201d said forward Danton Heinen, another recall from Wilkes-Barre\/Scranton on Tuesday. \u201cOn the ice, off the ice. He\u2019s a very driven kid, you can tell. He works hard at his craft. Very focused. That\u2019s something you can tell.\u201d<\/p>\n
While his ascension through the organization isn\u2019t quite as momentous as the debuts of previous goaltenders of the future, such as Marc-Andre Fleury in 2003 or Matt Murray in 2015, the moment he steps into a crease for a \u201creal game\u201d will be significant, especially for a franchise that has begun shifting to younger players.<\/p>\n
It will also be significant in his hometown of Yaroslavl, which is about four hours to the northeast of Moscow.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy mom (Larisa) loves to watch games when I play,\u201d Murashov said. \u201cI definitely have a good community of support that I truly appreciate. They will probably watch it. It\u2019s not a late game. It\u2019s just evening in Russia.<\/p>\n
\u201cI definitely feel their support all the time, no matter where I\u2019m playing.\u201d<\/p>\n
When he\u2019ll be playing remains a question, at least publicly. But Murashov will be ready for that moment.<\/p>\n
\u201cDoing everything I can do right now,\u201d Murashov said. \u201cWhen that day will come, we\u2019ll see.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust as I always say, just stay in the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n