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After a month of near perfection, the AHL named Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins goaltender Matt Murray as the CCM/AHL Goaltender of the Month for February.
The award caps a stellar month for the rookie netminder, who allowed just one goal on 110 shots, posting a 0.25 goals-against average, a .991 save percentage and three shutouts.
Murray drew the start vs. Springfield on Feb. 3 and stopped all 28 Falcons shots to backstop the Penguins to a 4-0 victory. In his next outing at Bridgeport on Feb. 8, Murray denied 36 of 37 chances, allowing only a 5-on-3 power-play goal late in the third period as Wilkes-Barre/Scranton won, 3-1. On Feb. 13 vs. Portland, Murray made 23 saves in a 3-0 Penguins victory, and he was perfect again in a 2-0 win over Providence on Feb. 21, stopping all 22 shots he faced.
After starting the season as Jeff Zatkoff’s backup and missing time with an injury, Murray now leads the AHL in goals-against average (1.65), save percentage (.936) and shutouts (eight).
Murray attributes the chance to play regularly as a big factor behind his success.
“It’s good. I’m always looking to play as much as I can,” Murray said. “I don’t enjoy being on the bench. It’s the coaches decision, so whenever I’m in there I’m competing for my next start.”
Murray was Pittsburgh’s third-round pick in 2012 and joined the Penguins after a strong finish to his junior career in the OHL last season, where he won 32 games and had six shutouts.
Now, Murray is simply trying to keep that success going as a pro. This month he’s already off to a good start with an 18-save shutout over Bridgeport on March 1. The shutout was his third straight and fifth in his last seven starts.
“I want to get better every time on the ice,” Murray said. “Self improvement is a big focus for me. I’m always looking to get better and I think I slowly improved this season.”
Murray becomes the tenth Wilkes-Barre/Scranton goaltender to earn this honor, joining Sebastien Caron (2000), Marc-Andre Fleury (2005), Dany Sabourin (2006), Nolan Schaeffer (2007) John Curry (2007 & 2010), Brad Thiessen (2010, 2011 & 2013), Jeff Zatkoff (2012) and Eric Hartzell (2014) and Peter Mannino (2014).
In recognition of his achievement, Murray will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Penguins home game.