Matt Murray to remain goaltender for Pens in Game 6 vs. Caps

PITTSBURGH -- The Penguins are sticking with rookie goaltender Matt Murray.

Coach Mike Sullivan announced Monday that Murray will remain in the net for Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Washington Capitals. Murray has started eight straight playoff games, going 6-2 with a 1.96 goals-against average to help Pittsburgh take a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.

The 21-year-old Murray gave up three goals on 19 shots in a 3-1 loss in Game 5. Sullivan, however, has praised Murray's play while filling in for veteran Marc-Andre Fleury.

Murray said he wants to keep "riding it."

"Just keep doing what I'm doing, keep doing what we're doing as a team," he said Monday. "I thought we've been the better team here most games as of late. Just stick to the same game plan."

Fleury hasn't played since suffering a concussion on March 31. Fleury spent the past three games as Murray's backup and will stay in that role as the Penguins try to advance to the Eastern Conference finals for the second time in four years.

"We deal with the hand that we're dealt, and the reality is Marc is a terrific goalie, we know that," said Sullivan. "Unfortunately, he suffered an injury late in the season that kept him out for an extended period of time," Sullivan said.

The affable Fleury said he understood the situation.

"It's all right," Fleury said Monday. "You know, we're winning some games, we're up 3-2 on the Caps, on the team that had the best record in the league. I'm just trying to cheer the guys on and be positive around the room and keep on winning."

ESPN's Pierre LeBrun and The Associated Press contributed to this report.