McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Apr. 9 – Darcy Kuemper vs. Mikko Koskinen
Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Sat. Apr 9, 2022:
Why I like this matchup:
Because I think Darcy Kuemper has been a rock for the Colorado Avalanche this season, and Mikko Koskinen has fought through major adversity. The Avalanche are the top team in the NHL and the Oilers are gaining momentum as the Stanley Cup playoffs approach. Tonight’s game should be passionate.
What to watch for:
Two big goaltenders that use their size in different ways. Kuemper is more dynamic than Koskinen – he’s not afraid to challenge a shooter when he feels confident in his positioning. Kuemper can occasionally get in trouble with his aggressiveness, but Colorado is quick on pucks. That allows him to take calculated risks. He has a .925 save percentage and 33 wins this season in 49 starts.
Koskinen is 13-3-2 in his last 20 games played for Edmonton. He has a .910 save percentage over the course of the season – which is par for the course with the big Finnish goaltender. He’s been able to provide quality minutes since coming to the NHL but hasn’t taken that next step into becoming a pure starting goaltender.
I think that’s mostly due to Koskinen’s passive style. He uses his body to his advantage by staying planted in his crease. But he also lacks the explosiveness needed to make the extra save. Despite his shortcomings, Koskinen continues to win games for the resurgent Oilers.
What fantasy owners should do:
Koskinen – despite his recent wins – is a gamble against Colorado. He hasn’t played them this season, and historically they are one of his worst opponents. In four games against the Avalanche, Koskinen has a 4.19 goals against average and .889 save percentage. If you have Kuemper on your fantasy roster, start him. He owns a career record of 9-1-4 against the Oilers along with a .927 save percentage.
Bottom line for Darcy Kuemper:
Use past experience against the Oilers to stay one step ahead of the play mentally.
Bottom line for Mikko Koskinen:
Alert eyes and fast hands will make a difference against the Avalanche.