Malkin scolds Penguins fans after Matt Murray jeered at home: 'It was stupid'
Evgeni Malkin wasn't too fond of the Pittsburgh Penguins' home crowd after fans showered Matt Murray with sarcastic cheers on Sunday.
"It was stupid. I'm not understanding our fans. (Murray) won two Cups for us," Malkin said, according to The Athletic's Rob Rossi. "You boo him - why? If you come to the arena, support our team. All of us. We try. We play so hard this year. We work so hard through injuries. We play good hockey."
Murray, who has split time in the crease with All-Star teammate Tristan Jarry this season, got off to a shaky start against the Boston Bruins. He allowed two goals in the opening 2:02 of the game, and fans proceeded to cheer him mockingly when he made an easy save afterward.
#LetsGoPens fans give Matt Murray the Bronx cheers. pic.twitter.com/p5BORymxYW
— Here's Your Replay ⬇️ (@HeresYourReplay) January 19, 2020
"I understand: You pay money for ticket, you do what you want. But it's tough to sit on bench and hear that," Malkin continued. "I don't like it. We hear that in Philly, not Pittsburgh."
Despite falling behind early to one of the league's top teams, the Penguins rallied from a 3-0 deficit to win the game. Malkin helped set up Bryan Rust's game-winner in the game's final minutes.
Murray, 25, has struggled this season, but he may have turned a corner with his recent play. Despite sporting a .900 save percentage and a 2.84 goals-against average on the campaign, he's won six of his last seven starts.
The Penguins have been one of the league's hottest teams of late. They're 21-7-4 since Nov. 10, the league's best record over that span.
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