“I Was in Shock”: Penguins’ Murashov on Crosby’s Unforgettable Gesture, Development in North America

Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

Sergei Murashov's rapid adjustment to the North American game has been a testament to his strong fundamentals and mental toughness. A product of Russia’s Lokomotiv Yaroslavl system, Murashov built his reputation on his quick reflexes, lateral movement, and poise under pressure. Despite the challenges of transitioning from the larger European ice surface to the more compact North American rinks, he has shown an ability to track pucks well and control rebounds effectively. His stellar play with Wheeling not only earned him individual accolades but also demonstrated his ability to steal games for his team, an essential trait for any goaltender looking to move up the ranks.

His success in the ECHL and immediate impact in the AHL have turned heads within the Penguins organization, especially given the team’s ongoing struggles in net at both the NHL and AHL levels. With Pittsburgh in need of more reliable goaltending, Murashov’s performance offers a glimmer of hope for the future. His technical soundness, combined with his calm demeanor, makes him a promising candidate for a larger role in the coming seasons. If he can maintain his high level of play, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get a longer look at the AHL level, or even as a potential emergency option for the Penguins should injuries or poor performances necessitate a call-up.

While Murashov is still in the early stages of his professional career, his rapid development suggests he could be a key part of Pittsburgh’s goaltending pipeline. Given his age and experience, the Penguins may opt to give him another full season in the minors to solidify his game before considering him for an NHL role. His ability to consistently rise to the challenge at each level is an encouraging sign, and with the Penguins struggling defensively, they may be inclined to accelerate his development if he continues to shine. If his current trajectory continues, Murashov could emerge as a legitimate option for Pittsburgh’s future in net.

“I’m not thinking about a call-up to the NHL,” Murashov told RG in an interview. “That can turn into expectations, thoughts about the future, and so on, which doesn’t help at all. I try to focus on the present and what I have here. My mindset is that if you do your job well, it will pay off in the future.”

A Strong Impression From Crosby

The Pittsburgh Penguins have a rich history filled with Hall of Fame talent, shaping the franchise into one of the NHL’s most storied teams. Legends like Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr, Paul Coffey, Ron Francis, and Mark Recchi have all left their mark on the organization, bringing multiple Stanley Cups and an era of dominance to Pittsburgh. Lemieux, in particular, stands as the most iconic Penguin, not only for his incredible skill but also for saving the franchise both on and off the ice. These veterans set the standard for excellence, creating a legacy that continues to inspire future generations of players.

For Sergei Murashov, Sidney Crosby embodies that legacy and stands out as the player who left the biggest impression on him. From the moment he arrived at training camp, Murashov saw firsthand Crosby’s relentless work ethic, professionalism, and dedication to the game. The way Crosby leads by example—staying on the ice for extra drills, focusing on the smallest details, and pushing himself daily—has made a lasting impact on the young goaltender. Seeing one of the greatest players in NHL history still outworking everyone in his 19th season reinforced to Murashov what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be on the ice with legends like Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang, and Evgeni Malkin. Crosby really stood out to me.

Beyond his professionalism and work ethic, he’s just a great person—very open, kind, and attentive to everyone.”

One particular moment stood out to Murashov and reinforced everything he had heard about Crosby’s leadership and attention to detail. During a routine practice drill, Murashov’s rubber strap—used to protect a goalie’s skate blades—came loose, and his stick broke. As he skated to grab a replacement, he expected to return and fix the strap himself. Instead, when he got back, he saw Crosby kneeling by the net, securing the strap for him.

Murashov was stunned. Here was a player who had won everything there was to win in hockey, yet he didn’t hesitate to help out a young goalie in the middle of practice. For Murashov, it wasn’t just about the small gesture—it was a reflection of the qualities that made Crosby one of the game’s all-time greats. His attention to every little detail, his leadership, and his respect for teammates, no matter their experience level, left a lasting impression on the young goaltender.

“There’s a small story that left a huge impression on me, even though it might seem like nothing special. During practice, goalies use rubber straps on the net to keep their skates from getting dull,” explained Murashov. “We were doing a drill, and one of my straps came off, and my stick broke. I skated over to grab a new stick, and when I came back, I saw Crosby putting the strap back on my net. I was in shock. This guy has won everything there is to win, yet he didn’t hesitate to help out a young goalie. That kind of attention to details is what makes him so special.”

Getting to Know Malkin

Murashov also had the chance to meet fellow Russian star Evgeni Malkin during training camp, an experience he cherished despite their limited interactions. Malkin’s presence alone made an impact on the young goaltender, who described him as an open, kind, and energetic personality within the locker room. Though their conversations were brief, Murashov was grateful for the opportunity to be around such a respected veteran and observe how he carried himself.

Murashov’s strong performances in the ECHL and AHL have already turned heads, but the young netminder remains focused on his development rather than any early accolades. His composure, athleticism, and work ethic have shown that he has the potential to be a key piece of the Penguins’ future.