Penguins drop third straight game as Murashov shines in shootout loss to Blue Jackets

Key points

• Columbus Blue Jackets defeated Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 in a shootout at Nationwide Arena on October 9, 2026.
• Penguins rookie goalie Sergei Murashov made 43 saves on 45 shots in regulation, keeping the game close despite a dominant performance by Columbus.
• Cam Talbot stopped all three Pittsburgh shooters in the shootout, securing the win for Columbus.
• The loss marks the Penguins' third straight defeat, dropping them to a 2-2-1 record for the season.
• Columbus outshot Pittsburgh 45-22 and won 66.7% of faceoffs, with Damon Severson scoring a goal and an assist.

Background

The Penguins had won their first two regular-season games before losing three in a row. In a preseason game on September 24, the Penguins lost 4-0 to the Blue Jackets, with Murashov also starting in goal. The Penguins recently acquired defenseman Spencer Stastney from the Edmonton Oilers, who did not play in this game.

How outlets are covering it

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette emphasized the Penguins' poor effort in the first two periods, with Bryan Rust stating the team could have been down 6-0 if not for Murashov. The Altoona Mirror focused on the final score and key stats, noting Columbus's dominance in shots and faceoffs. WRAL highlighted Cam Talbot setting an NHL record by winning a game with his ninth different team, stopping all three Pittsburgh shootout attempts. All sources agreed on the final score and Murashov's 43 saves, but differed in emphasis: the Post-Gazette focused on the team's lack of effort, the Altoona Mirror on the statistical dominance of Columbus, and WRAL on Talbot's individual milestone.

Why it matters

The loss highlights the Penguins' struggles to maintain consistency after a strong start, with Murashov's performance being the only bright spot. The team's inability to compete in the first two periods and their loss in the shootout raise concerns about their depth and effort. For Columbus, the win and Talbot's record underscore their strong start and goaltending depth.

What to watch

The Penguins will host the Dallas Stars on Saturday in the second night of a back-to-back, while the Blue Jackets will play at the St. Louis Blues. The Penguins' next game will feature Nick Robertson against his brother Jason, a top scorer in the NHL.