McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Dec. 12 – Vitek Vanecek vs. Igor Shesterkin

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Mon. Dec. 12, 2022:

Why I like this matchup:

It’s a Metro Monday! The Rangers have won three in a row and the Devils are leading the Metropolitan Division. Will Vanecek or Shesterkin come out on top?

What to watch for:

Shesterkin is 13-4-4 this year while playing the NHL’s second-most (21) games. The Rangers have ridden him hard and haven’t been great defensively. But the 2021-22 Vezina Trophy winner has come on strong lately with wins against Vegas and Colorado.

I think at times this season, Shesterkin has put too much pressure on himself. But when he’s crisp and focused, the Russian netminder is still the technical benchmark of modern goaltending. Watch his footwork. It’s flawless.

Vanecek has carried the mail for New Jersey. He’s earned a 12-2-1 record along with a .916 save percentage. But the advanced metrics say Vanecek has just been average. His goals saved above expected is 0.3, 43rd-best in the NHL. But really that’s all the resurgent Devils have needed in goal: competency.

The last time Vanecek played for New Jersey, he lasted just 24 minutes against the New York Islanders before getting the hook. He allowed four goals on 21 shots. It was the first time during the 2022-23 season Vanecek was pulled. I want to see how he responds against the Rangers.

What fantasy owners should do:

Realistically both Shesterkin and Vanecek should be a safe bet for fantasy owners. But games between the Rangers and Devils are always intense, and I wonder how special teams will factor into tonight’s game. I could easily see a 4-3 final. But I would still start both goalies.

Bottom line for Vitek Vanecek:

A strong first period is critical after being pulled in his last start.

Bottom line for Igor Shesterkin:

He doesn’t always have to be the best player on the ice. But tonight against the Devils, he does.