McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: April 23 – Jack Campbell vs. Sergei Bobrovsky

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Sat. April 23, 2022:

Why I like this matchup:

The Maple Leafs were clobbered 8-1 by the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night. Jack Campbell didn’t play that game. But tonight against the Florida Panthers – the hottest team in the NHL with 12 straight wins – he starts for the Maple Leafs. With the Stanley Cup playoffs just over a week away, Toronto needs a big game from Campbell to help them get back on track.

What to watch for:

The first 10 minutes. Florida can absolutely crush teams in the first period if the stars align. Campbell has little margin for error. It’s a cushier existence for Florida goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. The Panthers lead the NHL in goals for with 322 – a full 23 ahead of the second place Toronto Maple Leafs. Tonight’s game could be a track meet.

Bobrovsky’s .913 save percentage isn’t eye-catching, but he hasn’t lost a game in regulation since Feb. 26, an astounding feat by any metric. Bobrovsky is dynamic, explosive, and flexible – almost to fault. He can chase the game at times.

Campbell has been steady since returning from a rib injury in early April. He’s gone 6-0-1 during that time frame, with his only loss coming against the Panthers on Apr. 5. Campbell allowed four goals on 26 shots in a 25-minute relief effort: Erik Kallgren left that game due to injury.

What fantasy owners should do:

Start Bobrovsky. He’s been a winning machine this season and provided strong value through all categories. But I’d leave Campbell on the bench. Even with Auston Matthews back in the lineup for the Maple Leafs, tonight’s game will be a challenge.

Bottom line for Jack Campbell:

Keep the Panthers to three goals or less.

Bottom line for Sergei Bobrovsky:

Keep the Maple Leafs to three goals or less. It will likely be a high-scoring game.