Sergei Murashov isn't one to focus more toward the future rather than the present. He isn't thinking about a possible NHL debut and he isn't even willing to look as far ahead as the upcoming Calder Cup Playoffs. Instead, Murashov is solely focused on where his two feet are.
"I'm just going day by day," Murashov will say. "Staying in the moment."
The momentary approach seems to have paid dividends for the 21-year-old goaltending prospect, who is in the midst of his first season in North America. He compiled a 17-7-1 record, a 2.40 goals against average and a .922 save percentage in 26 games spent with the Wheeling Nailers in the ECHL and has translated that success to the AHL level, too. Murashov established an impressive streak of 11 straight wins with the AHL club, a mark that tied John Curry for the longest by a goaltender in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton history. He began the streak with two wins in October and November before winning nine more over a two-month period from Jan. 25 to March 26.
"I think the main thing is just the game is faster... Actually, the game is the same. For me, the same, just stop the pucks, that is it," Murashov said. "But yeah, little details. If I made a mistake on the ice, probably it will be a goal here when it wouldn't be a goal in the ECHL. So, it's about adjustments, really. But again, it's part of the process. The main thing is just be consistent with the right things every day, every day, every day."
Two losses have been added to Murashov's record since the end of that impressive 11-game stretch, but he's still produced quality results over two separate stints in the AHL. Through 14 games with Wilkes-Barre, Murashov has compiled an 11-2 mark, a 2.66 GAA and a .914 save percentage.
"During the streak, I did the same thing because it's impossible to do it, thinking about all this stuff around," Murashov said. "So, my goal is just win the next game, one in a row, and then repeat. So, that's it. To be honest, it wasn't a pressure for me or something like this. I just wanted to win the game for our team and do my best for my teammates."
In addition to his ability to remain present and focus on what's in front of him, Murashov's work ethic is what stands out in the eyes of Wilkes-Barre head coach Kirk MacDonald. He said Murashov competes hard every day in practice and, more importantly, he hates seeing the puck find the back of the net.
“I think with most great goalies, you kind of see that from them," MacDonald said. "Young kid, probably at times a little naive and just goes out, plays and doesn’t worry about any of the stuff going on around him. If something bad in a game happens, he doesn’t let it fester. He just parks it, moves on and worries about the next save.”
Murashov's winning mentality is what makes him special, according to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton's assistant general manager, Amanda Kessel. Like MacDonald, Kessel was quick to acknowledge Murashov's ability to turn the page and operate with a short memory. Again, it all goes back to his ability to stay in the moment.
“He’s just somebody that, ‘All right, I just got scored on. I’m not going to give up another one.’ Or, ‘I’m going to find a way to have this team win.'" Kessel said. "It’s probably the best quality to have in a goaltender to know they’re very confident and know they can win a game. He has that. He’s obviously talented as well.”
For Murashov, the mental aspect of the game is just as important as the physical aspect. When he's able to eliminate possible distractions, as well as the pressure associated with being a goalie at the higher levels, he puts himself in the best possible situation to succeed. So far, he's done that more often than not.
"I think the main thing is just enjoy always. I'm really grateful for all these opportunities I have. Enjoy the day, moments, working with guys, with coaches. It's really precious. It's my way," Murashov said. "I love the Marcus Aurelius quotation: 'What stands in your way is your way.' So, it's all my way, and I really love it."
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THE ASYLUM
José Negron
10:49 pm - 04.03.2025Cranberry, Pa.Amid success, Murashov 'staying in the moment'
Sergei Murashov isn't one to focus more toward the future rather than the present. He isn't thinking about a possible NHL debut and he isn't even willing to look as far ahead as the upcoming Calder Cup Playoffs. Instead, Murashov is solely focused on where his two feet are.
"I'm just going day by day," Murashov will say. "Staying in the moment."
The momentary approach seems to have paid dividends for the 21-year-old goaltending prospect, who is in the midst of his first season in North America. He compiled a 17-7-1 record, a 2.40 goals against average and a .922 save percentage in 26 games spent with the Wheeling Nailers in the ECHL and has translated that success to the AHL level, too. Murashov established an impressive streak of 11 straight wins with the AHL club, a mark that tied John Curry for the longest by a goaltender in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton history. He began the streak with two wins in October and November before winning nine more over a two-month period from Jan. 25 to March 26.
"I think the main thing is just the game is faster... Actually, the game is the same. For me, the same, just stop the pucks, that is it," Murashov said. "But yeah, little details. If I made a mistake on the ice, probably it will be a goal here when it wouldn't be a goal in the ECHL. So, it's about adjustments, really. But again, it's part of the process. The main thing is just be consistent with the right things every day, every day, every day."
Two losses have been added to Murashov's record since the end of that impressive 11-game stretch, but he's still produced quality results over two separate stints in the AHL. Through 14 games with Wilkes-Barre, Murashov has compiled an 11-2 mark, a 2.66 GAA and a .914 save percentage.
"During the streak, I did the same thing because it's impossible to do it, thinking about all this stuff around," Murashov said. "So, my goal is just win the next game, one in a row, and then repeat. So, that's it. To be honest, it wasn't a pressure for me or something like this. I just wanted to win the game for our team and do my best for my teammates."
In addition to his ability to remain present and focus on what's in front of him, Murashov's work ethic is what stands out in the eyes of Wilkes-Barre head coach Kirk MacDonald. He said Murashov competes hard every day in practice and, more importantly, he hates seeing the puck find the back of the net.
“I think with most great goalies, you kind of see that from them," MacDonald said. "Young kid, probably at times a little naive and just goes out, plays and doesn’t worry about any of the stuff going on around him. If something bad in a game happens, he doesn’t let it fester. He just parks it, moves on and worries about the next save.”
Murashov's winning mentality is what makes him special, according to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton's assistant general manager, Amanda Kessel. Like MacDonald, Kessel was quick to acknowledge Murashov's ability to turn the page and operate with a short memory. Again, it all goes back to his ability to stay in the moment.
“He’s just somebody that, ‘All right, I just got scored on. I’m not going to give up another one.’ Or, ‘I’m going to find a way to have this team win.'" Kessel said. "It’s probably the best quality to have in a goaltender to know they’re very confident and know they can win a game. He has that. He’s obviously talented as well.”
For Murashov, the mental aspect of the game is just as important as the physical aspect. When he's able to eliminate possible distractions, as well as the pressure associated with being a goalie at the higher levels, he puts himself in the best possible situation to succeed. So far, he's done that more often than not.
"I think the main thing is just enjoy always. I'm really grateful for all these opportunities I have. Enjoy the day, moments, working with guys, with coaches. It's really precious. It's my way," Murashov said. "I love the Marcus Aurelius quotation: 'What stands in your way is your way.' So, it's all my way, and I really love it."
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Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
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