Rinne, Murray trending in different directions as Cup Final progresses

by
Christopher Hanewinckel / USA Today Sports

Home appears to be both where the heart is and where goalies play their best hockey in the Stanley Cup Final.

After an abysmal opening two games of the series, Nashville Predators netminder Pekka Rinne has rebounded formidably, helping his team even things up with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Meanwhile, Matt Murray's numbers have taken a dip over the past two games, much to the delight of the heckling masses inside Bridgestone Arena.

Here's a look at how the two goalies have stacked up through four games, with each playing their best on home ice.

Rinne Games 1 + 2 Games 3 + 4
Save % .778 .961
Murray Games 1 + 2 Games 3 + 4
Save % .938 .873

The series is now a best-of-three affair, with Pittsburgh set to host Game 5 and a possible Game 7.

Murray's track record at home would seem to bode well for the Penguins, but if Rinne can steal one on the road, the Predators could be on their way to their first Cup win.

Still plenty of hockey yet to play, though.

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