McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Dec. 23 – Jordan Binnington vs. Logan Thompson

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

Why I like this matchup:

Thompson is so explosive. And Binnington is such a good puck handler. I think they’re two of the NHL’s most entertaining goaltenders. 

What to watch for:

How does Vegas come out of the gates? The Golden Knights have been terrible at home recently. Especially during the first period. It’ll be Thompson’s job to keep the Blues off the scoresheet early.

Binnington is riding a three-game win streak in which he’s allowed just four goals total. As a team, St. Louis has been better in front of Binnington and allowed him to focus on the puck carrier. Vegas isn’t a team that dumps the puck regularly, but I would still expect Binnington’s passing ability to help St. Louis get out of the D-zone cleanly.

Thompson has a .917 save percentage on the season. But the rookie netminder has gotten heat from Vegas head coach Bruce Cassidy recently for not making enough saves. With the Golden Knights struggling to consistently find offense, Thompson and goalie partner Adin Hill have come under the microscope.

Whether that’s fair or not is debatable. But the defensive performance of the Golden Knights has fallen off considerably since the early portion of the season. Can Thompson find another gear? Anything less than a .920 save percentage might not be acceptable in Vegas.

What fantasy owners should do:

The Blues and Golden Knights have played a few track meet games in recent years. And tonight is the last matchup before the holiday break for both teams. I think it’s going to be quite offensive. Start either goalie with one eye open.

Bottom line for Jordan Binnington:

Be ready for a new-look Vegas powerplay that’s doing damage. Jonathan Marchessault is a one-timer option on the flank. And Reilly Smith is shooting from everywhere.

Bottom line for Logan Thompson:

It’s time for a statement game.