Sport Starting Matt Murray is a risk by Mike Sullivan — but it makes sense

Colin Wilson of the Nashville Predators battles for the puck along the boards against Josh Manson of the Anaheim Ducks in Game Four of the Western Conference Final during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on May 18, in Nashville, Tenn.

'Do what you need to do': Matt Murray ready for Game 7

Matt Murray has been through two Game 7s in his NHL career, and the experiences were quite different. For his first, in the Eastern Conference final last season, Murray stopped 16 of 17 shots as the Penguins beat the Lightning, 2-1, to advance to the Stanley Cup final.His second was two weeks ago against Washington. Murray watched from the bench as Marc-Andre Fleury led the Penguins to a 2-0 victory.Murray will be back in the net for his third career Game 7 Thursday night against Ottawa, as he and the Penguins once again face a do-or-die game with a trip to the Stanley Cup final on the line.

Murray needed a rest, and they felt like that outweighed the risk of starting Fleury for the first time since March 31. " Matt played a lot of hockey," Sullivan said. Want to impress me Mike Sullivan ?

Coach Mike Sullivan : “ Matt Murray took full shots this morning when he skated on his own before practice. He will travel with the team on this road trip. He is making progress and we are encouraged by that progress.”

Pontus Aberg of the Nashville Predators hits Sami Vatanen of the Anaheim Ducks during the third period in Game Four of the Western Conference Final during the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on May 18, in Nashville, Tenn.

Penguins vs. Senators Game 7: Factors that determine who reaches Stanley Cup Final

Game 7s are as "fun as it gets," Penguins veteran Matt Cullen said.“You don’t forget them,” Cullen said. “They stand out. It’s a different feel than any other game you play. They’re as fun as it gets.

Changing starting netminders midway through the Eastern Conference final is nothing new for Mike Sullivan . Last year, against Tampa Bay, he did it twice, replacing Matt Murray with Marc-Andre Fleury for There’s risk in going with Murray , who’s last start came 43 days ago (and who wasn’t

Maybe Mike Sullivan doesn't start a fatigued Murray on a second straight night in Winnipeg and starts Jarry instead because actually getting playing The hope is Murray is going to be here for almost a decade, right? Mike Sullivan : ' It made sense ' for Penguins to come home between games in Philly.

Josh Manson of the Anaheim Ducks falls over Mike Fisher of the Nashville Predators and Hampus Lindholm of the Anaheim Ducks during the third period in Game Four of the Western Conference Final during the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on May 18, in Nashville, Tenn.

Predators-Penguins marks 1st final in NHL history with 2 American coaches

For the first time in NHL history, two American-born head coaches will square off in the Stanley Cup Final, according to the NHL Coaches Association. Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan, a native of Marshfield, Mass., rallied his team to the final by winning two Game 7s. He made a series-altering decision against Ottawa by starting Matt Murray in Game 4 after Marc-Andre Fleury had carried them up to that point.Peter Laviolette, a native of Franklin, Mass., has masterfully led his team to a 12-4 record on the road to the Cup Final. His willingness to adapt to his opponent has been put on full display.

Penguins goaltender Matt Murray makes a save on the Sharks' Mikkel Boedker in the second period Tuesday, Jan. The stats agree with Sully: Game 3 was Derick Brassard's best game since return. Mike Sullivan : ' It made sense ' for Penguins to come home between games in Philly.

There hadn’t been much talk about Matt Murray through the first five games. A lifelong hockey addict, Matt has been fortunate enough to make his career in his sport of choice, working in high school, juniors, college and the pros in various multimedia roles.

Kevin Bieksa of the Anaheim Ducks scrums with Mike Fisher and Austin Watson of the Nashville Predators in Game Four of the Western Conference Final during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on May 18, in Nashville, Tenn.

Predators-Penguins marks 1st final in NHL history with 2 American coaches

For the first time in NHL history, two American-born head coaches will square off in the Stanley Cup Final, according to the NHL Coaches Association. Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan, a native of Marshfield, Mass., rallied his team to the final by winning two Game 7s. He made a series-altering decision against Ottawa by starting Matt Murray in Game 4 after Marc-Andre Fleury had carried them up to that point.Peter Laviolette, a native of Franklin, Mass., has masterfully led his team to a 12-4 record on the road to the Cup Final. His willingness to adapt to his opponent has been put on full display.

No. 1 goalie Matt Murray , who missed Saturday's game for personal reasons, did not dress Sunday but will make a three-game California road trip with the team this week. Mike Sullivan : ' It made sense ' for Penguins to come home between games in Philly.

Nick Ritchie of the Anaheim Ducks celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the second period against Pekka Rinne of the Nashville Predators in Game Four of the Western Conference Final during the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Bridgestone Arena on May 18, in Nashville, Tenn.

Anaheim Ducks center Rickard Rakell, of Sweden, celebrates his goal in the first period of Game 4 of the Western Conference final against the Nashville Predators in the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs, May 18, in Nashville, Tenn.

Ducks goalie John Gibson and Predators left wing Viktor Arvidsson fall to the ice as a shot by Nashville's Filip Forsberg gets through for a goal during the third period of Game 3 in the Western Conference final on May 16 in Nashville, Tenn. The Predators won 2-1 to take a 2-1 series lead.

The Predators celebrate after their Game 3 win against the Ducks the Western Conference final.

Ducks right wing Jared Boll, left, and Predators left wing Cody McLeod fight during the second period of Game 3 ib the Western Conference final on May 16.

Ducks right wing Corey Perry lines up to shoot against Predators goalie Pekka Rinne during the first period of Game 3 in the Western Conference final on May 16.

Ducks center Ryan Kesler, left, and Predators center Ryan Johansen take a faceoff during the first period of Game 3 in the Western Conference final on May 16.

Phil Kessel, left, of the Penguins plays against the Senators in the second period of Game 2 of the Eastern Conference final on May 15 in Pittsburgh. The Penguins won 1-0 to even the series at one game apiece.

Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury tends net during the third period of Game 2 of the Eastern Conference final on May 15.

The Penguins' Olli Maatta (3) and Nick Bonino tangle with Mark Stone of the Senators during the third period of Game 2 of the Eastern Conference final on May 15.

Penguins defenseman Chad Ruhwedel, left, clears the puck past Senators left wing Mike Hoffman during the first period of Game 2 in the Eastern Conference final on May 15.

Senators goalie Craig Anderson knocks the puck out of the crease against the Penguins during the second period of Game 2 of the Eastern Conference final on May 15.

Filip Forsberg (9) of the Nashville Predators battles against Hampus Lindholm (47) of the Anaheim Ducks in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals at the Honda Center on May 14, in Anaheim, Calif. The Ducks won 5-3.

Ryan Getzlaf (15) of the Anaheim Ducks skates in the crease to play the puck on a shot by teammate Ondrej Kase (not in photo) as Colin Wilson (33) and goaltender Pekka Rinne (35) of the Nashville Predators try to defend the play on May 14.

The Ducks celebrate after scoring their fourth goal of the game on May 14.

Matt Irwin (52) of the Nashville Predators trips Ondrej Kase of the Anaheim Ducks on May 14.

Mike Fisher (12) of the Nashville Predators falls to the ice as he tries to put a shot past goaltender John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks on May 14.

Justin Schultz (4) of the Pittsburgh Penguins dives for the puck against Jean-Gabriel Pageau (44) of the Ottawa Senators during the third period in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG PAINTS Arena on May 13, in Pittsburgh, Penn.

Carter Rowney (37) of the Pittsburgh Penguins moves the puck in front of Bobby Ryan (9) of the Ottawa Senators in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG Paints Arena on May 13, in Pittsburgh, Penn.

Jean-Gabriel Pageau (44) of the Ottawa Senators scores a goal against Marc-Andre Fleury (29) of the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period in Game One of the Eastern Conference Final during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG PAINTS Arena on May 13, in Pittsburgh, Penn.

Jean-Gabriel Pageau (44) of the Ottawa Senators celebrates with his teammate Mark Stone (61) after scoring a goal against Marc-Andre Fleury (29) of the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at PPG PAINTS Arena on May 13, in Pittsburgh, Penn.

Pittsburgh Penguins' Carter Rowney (37) and Ottawa Senators' Jean-Gabriel Pageau (44) battle along the boards during the second period of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final in the NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoffs, on May 13, in Pittsburgh.

James Neal (18) of the Nashville Predators celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal in the first overtime period of Game One of the Western Conference Final as Nate Thompson (44) of the Anaheim Ducks looks on during the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on May 12, in Anaheim, California.The Predators defeated the Ducks 3-2 (OT).

Goaltender Pekka Rinne (35) of the Nashville Predators makes a save in front of Andrew Cogliano (7) of the Anaheim Ducks and Roman Josi (59) of the Nashville Predators in the third period of Game One of the Western Conference Final during the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on May 12, in Anaheim, Calif.

Pontus Aberg (46) of the Nashville Predators battles against Jared Boll (40) of the Anaheim Ducks after a whistle in Game One of the Western Conference Final during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on May 12, in Anaheim, Calif.

Nashville Predators Defenceman Mattias Ekholm (14) falls to the ice and tries to steal the puck from Anaheim Ducks Center Ryan Getzlaf (15) during game 1 of the 2017 NHL Western Conference Final between the Nashville Predators and the Anaheim Ducks on May 12, at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.

Nashville Predators goalie Pekka Rinne (35) reaches to cover the puck against the Anaheim Ducks in front of net traffic during the third period in game one of the Western Conference Final of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center.

The Ducks' Antoine Vermette lands on top of the Oilers' goalie Cam Talbot on May 10 in California. The Ducks won 2-1.

Penguins right wing Bryan Rust, left, and Capitals right wing T.J. Oshie chase the puck during the first period of Game 6 in their second-round series on May 8 in Pittsburgh. The Capitals won 5-2 to even the series 3-3.

Capitals goalie Braden Holtby stops a shot during the second period of Game 6 on May 8 in Pittsburgh.

The Capitals' Kevin Shattenkirk battles the Penguins' Carl Hagelin for control of the puck during the second period of Game 6 on May 8 in Pittsburgh.

Ice attendants pick up hats after Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl scored his third goal in the Oilers' 7-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks in Game 6 of the Western Conference Second Round at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada on May 7.

Milan Lucic, left, of the Edmonton Oilers runs Ryan Getzlaf of the Anaheim Ducks into the boards on May 7.

Drake Caggiula (36) of the Edmonton Oilers punches Andrew Cogliano of the Anaheim Ducks on May 7.

Griffin Reinhart (8) of the Edmonton Oilers hits Nate Thompson of the Anaheim Ducks on May 7.

Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen, left, scores the eventual game-winning goal past St. Louis Blues goaltender Jake Allen, center, in the third period of their 3-1 victory at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., on May 7.

Ryan Johansen (92) of the Nashville Predators celebrates his eventual game-winning goal against the St. Louis Blues with teammates on May 7.

Linesman Shane Heyer separates Nashville Predators center Ryan Johansen (92) and St. Louis Blues left wing Vladimir Sobotka on May 7.

Nicklas Backstrom of the Capitals scores a third-period goal against Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference second-round series on May 6 in Washington.

Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh hip-checks Senators left wing Viktor Stalberg in the second period of Game 5 in their second-round series on May 6 in Ottawa.

Rangers center Kevin Hayes and Senators goalie Craig Anderson get up close and personal during the second period of Game 5 in their second-round series on May 6.

Alex Ovechkin, left, celebrates his third-period goal against the Penguins with Capitals teammate Kevin Shattenkirk in Game 5 of their second-round series on May 6.

Sidney Crosby of the Penguins checks  the Capitals' T.J. Oshie during the third period in Game 5 of their second-round series on May 6.

Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist turns as a first-period shot by the Senators' Mark Stone (61) makes its way into the net during Game 5 of their second-round series on May 6.

Vladimir Tarasenko of the Blues takes a shot against Predators goalie Pekka Rinne in Game 5 on May 5 in St. Louis.

Andrej Sekera of the Edmonton Oilers is helped off the ice by Milan Lucic and a trainer during the first period against the Anaheim Ducks in Game Five of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on May 5, in Anaheim, Calif.

Matthew Benning of the Edmonton Oilers reacts as he is hit by Nate Thompson of the Anaheim Ducks during the first period in Game Five of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on May 5, in Anaheim, Calif.

Paul Stastny of the St. Louis Blues attempts to pass the puck against Ryan Johansen of the Nashville Predators in Game Five of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Scottrade Center on May 5, in St. Louis, Miss.

Pekka Rinne of the Nashville Predators watches the puck after losing his mask against the St. Louis Blues in Game Five of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scottrade Center on May 5, at Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Miss.

Dion Phaneuf of the Ottawa Senators fights with Brendan Smith of the New York Rangers during the third period in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 4, in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Senators 4-1.

Chris Kreider of the New York Rangers scores a third period goal against Craig Anderson of the Ottawa Senators in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 4, in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Senators 4-1.

Bobby Ryan of the Ottawa Senators attempts to control the puck against Oscar Lindberg of the New York Rangers in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 4, in New York City. The Rangers defeated the Senators 4-1.

Tanner Glass of the New York Rangers celebrates a goal by Oscar Lindberg at 15:54 of the second period against the Ottawa Senators in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 4, in New York City.

The New York Rangers and the Ottawa Senators fight during the third period of game four of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 4.

The Penguins' Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury makes a save as the Capitals' Lars Eller and the Penguins' Evgeni Malkin battle for puck on May 3 in Pittsburgh. The Penguins won 3-2.

Ryan Getzlaf of the Ducks celebrates after a goal against the Oilers on May 3 in Edmonton, Canada. The Ducks won 4-3.

The Penguins' Ian Cole checks the Capitals' Justin Williams on May 3 in Pittsburgh. The Penguins won 3-2.

The Oilers fans cheer on their team against the Ducks on May 3 in Edmonton, Canada. The Ducks won 4-3.

Colin Wilson, right, of the Predators battles for the puck against the Blues' Patrik Berglund in Game 4 of a second-round series on May 2 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. The Predators won 2-1 to take a 3-1 series lead.

Predators players celebrate after a goal by defenseman Ryan Ellis during the third period against the  Blues in Game 4 of a second-round series on May 2.

Blues defenseman Colton Parayko, left, and Predators left wing Harry Zolnierczyk battle for the puck during the first period in Game 4 of a second-round series on May 2.

The Rangers' Michael Grabner, left, looks to control the puck in front of the Senators' Dion Phaneuf during the second period of Game 3 of a second-round playoff series on May 2 in New York. The Rangers won 4-1 but trailed in the series 2-1.

Rangers players celebrate after defeating the Senators in Game 3 of a second-round series on May 2.

Rangers center J.T. Miller and Senators center Jean-Gabriel Pageau are separated by officials during the third period of Game 3 of a second-round series on May 2.