McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: April 21 – Erik Kallgren vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy
Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Thu. April 21, 2022:
Why I like this matchup:
If the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs started tonight, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning would face one another in an Atlantic division matchup.
What to watch for:
Erik Kallgren likely won’t be the starting goalie for the Maple Leafs in the postseason – Jack Campell will have that honor. But health is always a concern, and stranger things have happened.
I think Kallgren has done a nice job this season especially considering he started the season fourth on the Leafs depth chart. He plays an efficient, balanced game that lends itself to consistency. Time will tell if Kallgren can develop the top-level reactions and instincts necessary to be a full-time NHL goaltender. But for now, he’s been serviceable in the Toronto crease, going 6-3-1 and posting a 3.02 goals against average.
Andrei Vasilevskiy might still be the best money goaltender in the NHL given his track record of success during elimination games in the Stanley Cup playoffs, but right now the ‘Big Cat’ is reeling. Vasilevskiy has lost six straight games. He hasn’t won since April Fool’s Day. And the last time out against Toronto on Apr. 4, Vasilevskiy allowed six goals on 39 shots.
Tonight’s game will serve as a good preview of things to come between two of the most dynamic offensive teams in the Eastern conference.
What fantasy owners should do:
I don’t like either goaltender if your fantasy team is chasing any statistic besides wins. Kallgren has only posted a save percentage above .900 three times this season. Vasilevsky, on the other hand, hasn’t been consistent lately. Of the two, he’s the more likely to post quality numbers. Just don’t expect a shutout tonight.
Bottom line for Erik Kallgren:
The Maple Leafs just need a consistent performance from their Swedish puckstopper. If he allows three goals or less, chances are they’ll win.
Bottom line for Andrei Vasilevskiy:
He desperately needs a win – especially this close to the beginning of the Stanley Cup playoffs.