McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Apr. 18 – Jake Oettinger vs. Thatcher Demko

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Mon. Apr 18., 2022:

Why I like this matchup:

Because Jake Oettinger and Thatcher Demko are two of the best American goalies in the world. And they will be for the next decade.

What to watch for:

Size and technicality. As smooth as Demko can be in and around his crease, it’s almost easy to forget he stands 6-foot-4. And Oettinger isn’t much different at 6-foot-5. It used to be that big goalies weren’t able to move; that’s completely out the window now. Netminders like Demko and Oettinger are able to skate as well as anyone, a big reason why 6-foot-2 is the new glass ceiling for NHL goaltenders. Anyone under that height is considered small.

And then there’s the Stanley Cup playoff race. Vancouver likely needs to win its remaining seven games to have any chance of making it. Dallas is currently in the first wildcard slot in the Western Conference, four points up on the Vegas Golden Knights. While the Stars have continued to amass points down the stretch, there is little room for error.

Demko has won four straight games for the Canucks and owns a .918 save percentage on the season. Oettinger has been victorious twice in a row for the Stars. He’s won 27 of 41 starts this year.

What fantasy owners should do:

Oettinger’s raw numbers are solid but not gaudy. And that’s due to his consistency. He hasn’t had many peaks or valleys. Start him. Demko has been hot lately, and I think this could be a close, low-scoring game. I would start him as well.

Bottom line for Jake Oettinger:

Keep Canucks forward Elias Pettersson off the scoresheet. He’s been the main driver of Vancouver’s offense lately.

Bottom line for Thatcher Demko:

Win the battle with Stars forward Joe Pavelski in front of the net. He’s the best in the league at tipping pucks.