McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: April 19 – Jeremy Swayman vs. Ville Husso

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

Why I like this matchup:

Because I think Jeremy Swayman and Ville Husso are going to be starting goalies during this year’s Stanley Cup playoffs. And both have plenty to prove.

What to watch for:

If the Bruins can exact revenge on the Blues. Exactly one week ago, St. Louis travelled to Boston and beat the Bruins 4-2. Husso made 39 saves, while Swayman allowed four goals on 30 shots.

Husso is currently riding a six-game winning streak. He hasn’t lost a game in regulation during the month of April. In that same time span, Swayman has a 2-3-0 record. In his last outing against the Pittsburgh Penguins on April 16, Swayman allowed one goal on 24 shots and earned the victory.

The steadiness shown by Husso this season can largely be attributed to his style and focus. His movements are precise and modest. Rarely does he stray from the blue paint or chase the puck.

That’s usually true for Swayman, as well. He’s at his best when he’s patient. But occasionally Swayman has to fight the urge to drop. His stance is very wide, which leads to a dependence on sliding once down.

Tonight’s matchup is as much about the teams as the goalies. St. Louis has won nine games in a row, while Boston has gone 5-5-0 in its last 10.

What fantasy owners should do:

These are two goalies who have had strong seasons. They’re on teams bound for the Stanley Cup playoffs. Start them both.

Bottom line for Jeremy Swayman:

The Bruins are on the road against the hottest team in the NHL. He might have to steal one tonight against St. Louis.

Bottom line for Ville Husso:

Even though he won last time out against Minnesota, Husso allowed five goals against. He needs a strong bounce-back game.