Murray scores in Blue Jackets prospects win

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. -- Defenseman Ryan Murray had a goal and one assist to help lead the Columbus Blue Jackets to a 7-5 victory against the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday during the second day of the Traverse City Prospects Tournament.

Murray, the No. 2 pick in the 2012 NHL Draft, is on the ice in game situations for the first time since sustaining a serious shoulder injury while playing for his junior team, the Everett Silvertips, of the Western Hockey League in November.

"I've been hit a couple times, and it feels normal," Murray said. "It feels the same. Off the ice I can do certain movements where it still feels kind of strange, but when I'm on the ice and in the moment, I don't really notice it at all.

"I've been skating for a while, so my skating and legs are fine," he continued. "But there have been some times where there's a play and I'm kind of hesitating a little bit, and I'm going 'Ah, I should have gone there, or I should have done that.' Just little things where I'm thinking about it, but then it's too late. I'm trying to catch up a little bit."

Columbus forwards Nick Moutrey and Jeremy Langlois each had a goal and an assist.

Murray, Josh Anderson and Thomas Larkin scored in a span of 4:21 in the third period when the Blue Jackets (1-1-0) overcame a 5-4 deficit to earn their first victory of the tournament.

The Hurricanes (1-1-0) opened a one-goal lead 6:05 into the third when Tyler Ganly scored. Danny Biega had pulled the Hurricanes into a 4-4 tie.

The Blue Jackets grabbed a 4-2 lead in the first period on goals by Austin Madaisky, Langlois, Moutrey and Dalton Smith. The Hurricanes received goals from Victor Rask, Hunter Garlet and Sergey Tolchinsky. Columbus outshot Carolina, 45-18.

Murray was asked about being matched up against his teammate in Everett, goalie Austin Lotz, who was invited by the Hurricanes to Traverse City on a tryout basis.

"He took a lot of shots on net and he played well; made some desperation saves and saves that he shouldn't have," Murray said.

The Blue Jackets will next face the New York Rangers (0-1-1) on the final day of round-robin play Sunday.

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