McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Apr. 10 – Connor Hellebuyck vs. Mads Sogaard
Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Sun. Apr 10, 2022:
Why I like this matchup:
It’s a chance to watch a young prospect – Mads Sogaard of the Ottawa Senators – play against one of the league’s best in Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.
What to watch for:
Both teams are out of the Stanley Cup playoff picture, so from the outside looking in, it wouldn’t seem like a pressure situation. And it probably isn’t for Hellebuyck. The Jets’ goalie has had a down year behind a lackluster Winnipeg team. He has a .911 save percentage, below standard for Hellebuyck. He’s been a perennial contender for the Vezina Trophy in recent years. I think Hellebuyck is reliable and capable of excelling behind a solid defense that shuts down middle ice. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the Jets this season.
Senators goaltender Mads Sogaard is in his rookie season of professional hockey. He’s played 31 games for Ottawa’s AHL affiliate in Belleville, Ontario and sports a .906 save percentage and 16 wins. Sogaard made his NHL debut on April Fools Day, stopping 27 of 29 shots against the Detroit Red Wings to claim his first victory.
While the Senators may be out of the playoffs, the situation in the crease is unclear heading into next season. Matt Murray, Anton Forsberg, and Filip Gustavsson are all on one-way contracts – not ideal considering Gustavsson would require waivers to be sent to the AHL. Sogaard is a second round draft pick and is still developing, but there is pressure to perform at the NHL level. A few good showings down the stretch can go a long way towards solidifying a reputation.
What fantasy owners should do:
Hellebuyck has been one of the biggest disappointments in goal for fantasy owners this season. He’s played 60 games but only won 25. And his numbers are well off his career mark of a .916 save percentage. Any game against the Senators is a gamble: they can score in bunches. Or not show up at all. If you have a better option in net than Hellebuyck today, I would sit the Jets goaltender.
If your team picked up Mads Sogaard, it was likely in a desperation move. If that’s the case, you might as well start him. Otherwise, leave him on the bench.
Bottom line for Connor Hellebuyck:
Keep it under three goals against and the Jets have a chance.
Bottom line for Mads Sogaard:
Act like you’ve done it a thousand times before. The only real pressure is what he puts on himself.