McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Dec. 19 – Jack Campbell vs. Juuse Saros

Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Mon. Dec. 19, 2022:

Why I like this matchup:

Because opposites attract. Campbell has only played two games in December for the Oilers, while Saros has started six for the Predators. Yet each goaltender has just one win during the month.

What to watch for:

Can Saros rebound from five straight losses? Granted, only three have been in regulation. But the Nashville backstop hasn’t posted a win since Dec. 1. That’s not a fun headspace for a goaltender – especially considering Saros has played well during that span. A .919 save percentage shouldn’t equate to an 0-3-2 record, but that’s the reality for Saros. His game has been trending up despite the lack of results. Saros is still one of the best goalie skaters on the planet. Young goalies can learn a lot from watching his footwork.

It’s been over a month since Campbell lost the No.1 job in Edmonton to his goalie partner, Stuart Skinner. But he did win his last outing on Dec. 13, ironically against the Predators. Who he is set to face again tonight. Campbell stopped 32 of 35 shots in that match. It’s been a tough start for Campbell’s tenure as an Oiler: in 14 games, he’s allowed three or more goals 12 times. I want to see how Campbell reacts to the first goal against – if there is one – tonight. His body language can speak volumes about his confidence.

What fantasy owners should do:

I wouldn’t start Campbell until he strings together a few quality games. And despite Edmonton typically being a tough matchup for most NHL goaltenders, Saros has a career. 928 save percentage against the Oilers. I would start him – albeit nervously.

Bottom line for Jack Campbell:

He needs his teammates to trust him. And that starts with two quality performances in a row.

Bottom line for Juuse Saros:

A win against Edmonton could be a needed catalyst for the Preds. And it needs to happen in regulation. The Oilers have won four of five games that have gone to overtime or ended in a shootout.