BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Penguins will start goaltender Matt Murray against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center on Thursday according to coach Mike Sullivan.

In 35 games this season, Murray has an 18-10-5 record along with a 2.85 goals against average, a .899 save percentage and one shutout.

Murray is coming off a 7-3 home victory against the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday in which he made 23 saves on 26 shots.

Notes:

• Sullivan labeled forwards Nick Bjugstad and Brandon Tanev as “game-time” decisions.

Bjugstad has not played since Nov. 15 because of a core muscle injury. Tanev missed Tuesday’s game as well as Wednesday’s practice in Cranberry because of an illness.

• The Penguins are trying to avoid a regular season sweep at the hands of the Sabres who have won the first two meetings between the clubs at PPG Paints Arena, 3-1 on Oct. 3 and 5-2 on Feb. 22.

• The Sabres will start rookie goaltender Jonas Johansson according to coach Ralph Krueger. In five games this season, Johansson has a 1-2-1 record along with a 2.68 goals against average and .899 save percentage.

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