McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: April 20 – Ilya Samsonov vs. Robin Lehner
Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Wed. April 20, 2022:
Why I like this matchup:
Ilya Samsonov has found a groove in net for the Washington Capitals, while Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Robin Lehner is searching for his own.
What to watch for:
While Samsonov’s numbers aren’t staggering – he has an .898 save percentage – the Russian netminder has been winning games. Since being pulled on Feb. 28th against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Samsonov has gone 6-1-1 and become the de facto starter for head coach Peter Laviolette.
I still think there is work to be done with Samsonov’s game, but lately it’s been covered up by Washington’s defense. Only twice in his last eight games has Samsonov seen more than 30 shots. Regardless, he’s given consistent minutes and appears to have the inside track at starting Game 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs for the Capitals.
Since coming back from the injured reserve list, Robin Lehner has posted a 2-2-1 record to go with an .896 save percentage. But what’s worrisome is that he allowed five goals against in two of those games – while the Golden Knights are fighting to secure a come-from-behind slot in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Lehner is among the top 10 NHL goaltenders this season defending rush chances against. But he has struggled on the penalty kill: his save percentage is .860 with the Golden Knights playing shorthanded. That’s well off his career mark of .892.
What fantasy owners should do:
Lehner has struggled to produce consistent results for fantasy owners this season. The same can be said about Samsonov. The Capitals have been good lately; I would start Samsonov. But leave Lehner on the bench.
Bottom line for Ilya Samsonov:
He’s been winning games, but too often it’s happened while allowing three goals against. He needs to find the next level to his game in advance of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Bottom line for Robin Lehner:
Golden Knights head coach Pete DeBoer has recently been critical of his No. 1 goaltender. It’s time for Lehner to prove him wrong.