Goalie Matt Murray a late scratch for Penguins' playoff opener

— -- PITTSBURGH -- Already missing franchise defenseman Kris Letang, the Penguins' defense of the Stanley Cup got a little harder on Wednesday night. Starting goalie Matt Murray was a late scratch, after exiting warm-ups early, giving longtime Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury the surprise start.

The Penguins said they would provide an update on Murray's injury status after Game 1 of their playoff series against the? Columbus Blue Jackets.

Murray led Pittsburgh to a Stanley Cup last spring.

Penguins coach Mike Sullivan had declared him the starter for Wednesday's game following the morning skate.

"Matt's going to play tonight, and we'll play it from there," Sullivan said.

That plan changed.

Fleury's promotion and Murray's inability to even dress for the game forced 21-year-old Tristan Jarry into the backup role. He has one game of NHL experience.

Fleury was 18-10-7 this season for the Penguins, with a .909 save percentage. He started one playoff game during the Penguins' run last spring. He has a 53-45 record with a .906 save percentage lifetime in the postseason.