McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Dec. 14 – Jacob Markstrom vs. Spencer Martin
Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Wed. Dec. 14, 2022:
Why I like this matchup:
The Flames and Canucks are separated by just four points in the Pacific division, and both Markstrom and Martin are coming off frustrating losses despite playing well.
What to watch for:
There’s been so much shade thrown at Markstrom this season that it would be easy to assume he’s having a terrible season. And while I understand his .897 save percentage isn’t pretty, the underlying numbers favor the Flames netminder. According to moneypuck.com’s goals saved above expected metric, Markstrom ranked 14th among all NHL goaltenders this season.
When you look at his entire body of work, Markstrom has been better than many people realize. But a nagging habit of allowing one questionable goal per game drives the narrative for the Calgary netminder. He was outstanding Monday against the Canadiens: Markstrom allowed just one goal on 38 shots faced.
It’s pretty astonishing that Martin started the season with a 6-1-1 record for the Canucks, especially considering how porous Vancouver is defensively. It hasn’t been as easy lately for the first-year backstop from Oakville, Ont. But Martin still sports an 8-3-1 record on the year.
For whatever reason, the Canucks have given Martin plenty of goal support. But his numbers have fallen recently. He’s down to a .891 save percentage on the season. And Martin ranks 61st in goals saved above expected.
I like Martin’s structure and the fiery competitiveness of Markstrom. Divisional matchups are fun, and both goalies need a result.
What fantasy owners should do:
Markstrom has allowed less than two goals in his last three starts. Yet he took the loss in them all. Martin has allowed 12 goals in his last nine periods of action. Neither goalie excites me tonight, mostly due to Vancouver’s tendency to get stuck in high-scoring games. But I’d be more comfortable playing Markstrom than Martin.
Bottom line for Jacob Markstrom:
Be sharp on the penalty kill. The Canucks have the 7th-best power play in the NHL.
Bottom line for Spencer Martin:
Vancouver is on the road, and the Flames are banged up. He needs to get his team to the third period either tied or leading.