from Frank Seravalli of TSN,

Maybe it’s because he already has a Stanley Cup ring.

Maybe it’s because he backstops the Pittsburgh Penguins, led by Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, who are duelling for the Art Ross and Rocket Richard trophies.

Or maybe it’s simply because Patrik Laine and Auston Matthews have gotten enough ink to drown him out.

No matter the reason, with the debate almost exclusively centred on Matthews or Laine, Penguins goaltender Matt Murray has become the forgotten Calder Trophy candidate in a crowded Rookie of the Year class.

He deserves to be in that mix,” Crosby said Wednesday. “He’s been really good for us. He’s just going up against some stiff competition with the way those guys are playing.”

If anything, Matthews’ current six-game point drought – during the most crucial stretch of the season – may only help to highlight Murray’s candidacy.

continued