Pittsburgh Penguins G Matt Murray to start Game 5 vs. Nashville Predators

Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan confirmed that Matt Murray will be the team's starting goaltender against the Nashville Predators for Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final on Thursday at PPG Paints Arena.

Sullivan announced the decision following the morning skate on Thursday by simply stating Murray's name when asked on the identity of his starter.

The coach also noted that center Nick Bonino will be a game-time decision for Thursday's contest. Bonino has been sidelined for two games with a left foot injury that he sustained while blocking a shot in Game 2.

Murray allowed eight goals on 58 shots in dropping Games 3 and 4 to Predators, who evened the series at two victories apiece.

"I thought I was OK in Game 3, obviously not great. I thought I was pretty good in Game 4," the 23-year-old Murray said Wednesday.

Murray has posted a 5-3 mark with a 2.08 goals-against average and .925 save percentage in the past nine games after missing the first two rounds of the playoffs due to a lower-body injury.

Veteran Marc-Andre Fleury recorded a 9-6 mark with a 2.56 GAA and .924 save percentage in his absence.