TORONTO — Goaltender Matt Murray says he’s ready to go if Team North America coach Todd McLellan wants him against Sweden.
Murray left Monday night’s 4-3 loss to Russia after surrendering four goals on seven second-period shots. But it was the thumb on his right hand that raised slight concern after he jammed it and said post-game that it was bothersome.
The 22-year-old goaltender practised with his team Tuesday afternoon at Ricoh Coliseum and showed no signs of concern. He took part in full drills, practised his puck-playing abilities and was able to squeeze a water bottle with the injured thumb on his blocker hand.
“It’s good, sore, but nothing major,” said the Pittsburgh Penguins netminder. “Nothing to worry about.”
While Murray says he is ready to go, McLellan wouldn’t confirm who would start for North America Wednesday against the Swedes in a must-win game.
John Gibson replaced Murray to finish the game against Russia and stopped the six shots he faced in 22 minutes of action.
Murray, who backstopped Pittsburgh to the Stanley Cup after emerging from the American Hockey League, didn’t record back-to-back losses in his 21 post-season starts en route to the Cup, or the 12 regular-season starts leading up to the 2015-16 playoffs.
McLellan hinted that Murray’s history of bouncing back from a loss means something as he contemplates his starter.
“That does factor into our decision,” he said.
McLellan only had his team skate on Tuesday for about 20 minutes to keep loose because they won’t have a pre-game skate Wednesday with their match against Sweden being an afternoon start.
Murray says that the time on the ice was enough for him to know he can play if needed, but isn’t assuming he will start despite being called upon for North America’s first two games of the tournament.
“I have no expectations,” said Murray. “I don’t go into these things with expectations because you have to be adaptable.”
Russia scored all four of its goals in a 6:14 span of the second period, capped off by Vladimir Tarasenko’s winner at 15:43.
Murray allowed four goals against twice in the NHL playoffs and bounced back by stopping 51-of-54 combined shots to earn the victories in his following outings.
