McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Apr. 5 – Jacob Markstrom vs. Connor Hellebuyck
Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Wed. Apr. 5, 2023:
Why I like this matchup:
The Flames trail the Jets by just two points in the race to make the Stanley Cup playoffs. Winnipeg currently occupies the second wild card slot in the NHL’s Western Conference and the Jets have a game in hand on Calgary. But a win tonight for the Flames would put the two teams into a tie with 89 points apiece. Simply put: Calgary really needs to win.
What to watch for:
Markstrom is set to start on back-to-back nights – a bold move by Calgary head coach Darryl Sutter. Especially after the Swedish netminder allowed four goals on 23 shots last night against the Chicago Blackhawks in a losing effort. Markstrom was also pulled in his previous game against the Anaheim Ducks after allowing two goals in the first period. Can Markstrom bounce back with his team on the verge of not making the Stanley Cup playoffs? One thing’s for certain: Sutter has tied his wagon to Markstrom. He’s given a full vote of confidence to the veteran netminder despite an .889 save percentage and 22-21-10 record. Now it’s up to Markstrom to stick the landing.
The Jets have experienced a recent surge, and a lot of their success can be credited to Hellebuyck’s work between the pipes. The 29-year old former Vezina Trophy winner hasn’t allowed more than three goals in his last ten games. Hellebuyck has a 6-4-0 record over that span. When Hellebuyck allowed two or fewer goals, the Jets won. That’s a high bar for any goaltender, but Hellebuyck revels in pressure. I think he enjoys being challenged. Hellebuyck has a .918 save percentage in 60 appearances. A win tonight would go a long way towards ensuring Winnipeg’s presence in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
What fantasy owners should do:
Starting Markstrom would make me nervous right now. And he’s struggled to give fantasy owners value in most categories this season. But with only three NHL games on the docket, owners may be forced to play him. Hellebuyck, on the other hand, I feel confident in and would start. He’s been outstanding lately and the Jets have been better in front of him.
Bottom line for Jacob Markstrom:
It’s pretty much do or die for Markstrom and the Flames.
Bottom line for Connor Hellebuyck:
Consistent, predictable goaltending is his hallmark.