Matt Murray Quietly Making a Push For Another NHL Opportunity With Maple Leafs

Following his last start with the Leafs in December, which resulted in a loss to the Washington Capitals, Matt Murray was demoted to the AHL as the Leafs felt he needed more reps and playing time to find his game again.

In six games since returning to the Marlies, Murray has posted a 3-3 record, but has won his last three starts with the Leafs' AHL affiliate club.

A surprising signing on July 1st last off-season following bi-lateral hip surgery, Murray wanted to show that he can still be, at the very least, a serviceable backup at the NHL level, given the fact that he is just 30-years-old.

While his return has not been what he likely would have hoped for, especially with the opportunity that he was given when Anthony Stolarz was injured and forced to undergo knee surgery, Murray appears to be settling into the lead role with the Marlies.

This past weekend, Murray collected back-to-back shutouts in games on Friday and Sunday over the Manitoba Moose, stopping all 55 shots he faced in the two games.

With his two shutouts over the weekend, Murray now holds a .933 save percentage in 14 games with the Marlies, placing him second in the AHL in that category.

In addition to an excellent save percentage, Murray ranks first in goals against average among AHL goaltenders with an impressive 1.74 GAA.

Murray is undoubtedly the Marlies' starting goalie with Artur Akhtyamov out week-to-week, and with Stolarz expected to return in the next few weeks, the two-time Stanley Cup Champion may have to wait for his next opportunity.

However, should he continue to play at the level he has recently, he should be in line for another opportunity if called upon.