Senators unsure when Murray will return to lineup

Matt Murray wasn’t on the ice Sunday at the Canadian Tire Centre. And, there’s no timetable for his return to the Ottawa Senators net.

The 27-year-old goaltender was placed on injured-reserve with a head/ neck injury after he took a hit from Chris Kreider after the Rangers winger scored with 5:23 left in the third period on Saturday afternoon to ignite a late rally and edge Ottawa 3-2.

The Senators recalled goaltender Filip Gustavsson from their AHL affiliate in Belleville on Sunday and Anton Forsberg will make the start against the Capitals on Monday night to close out this four-game home stand.

“Kreider hit (Murray) in the crease,” said Sens coach D.J. Smith on Sunday. “I don’t know if it’s that (a concussion), I think it’s more his neck but he wasn’t able to continue.”

This has been a difficult stretch for Murray and the Senators. To have success this season, Ottawa needs to have its top goalie playing well and there’s no question Murray was strong before he left the game. He had robbed Kreider earlier in the third with a spectacular glove save.

Murray missed the first three games of the season with the flu after struggling with injuries last season and landing on IR three times.

Murray, who has suited up for just 27 games with the Senators after being dealt here from the Penguins, won’t be available until the Sens play next Monday night in Chicago.

“It has to be frustrating for him. He was playing really well, the best he has, and he was playing great,” Smith said. “If he doesn’t get hurt, we’re probably looking at a different outcome. It’s pretty hard for Forsberg to come in, freezing cold at that point, and to be asked to make Grade ‘A’ save after Grade ‘A’ save.

“If (Murray) doesn’t get hurt, we’re likely a point or better (against the Rangers). I’m sure (Murray) is as frustrated as everyone, but injuries are part of the game. Hopefully, he can get back and stay healthy.”

The Senators are fortunate that goaltending is a strength and you can’t blame Forsberg for what happened against the angers as he’d been sitting on the bench all afternoon.

“He’s been really good,” Smith said. “You can’t judge him on that. You sit there the entire game and you go in when the heat’s on. He was phenomenal against Toronto, he’s a good goalie and I have the utmost confidence him.”