McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Dec. 28 – Adin Hill vs. John Gibson

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Wed. Dec. 28, 2022:

Why I like this matchup:

A well rested Adin Hill and John Gibson go against one another in Anaheim. But Vegas is playing its second game in two nights with a boatload of players out due to injury. And the Golden Knights are coming off a loss to the L.A. Kings. Hill will likely be tested.

What to watch for:

How each goaltender fares in the early going. Gibson has failed to complete seven games this year in 22 starts. That’s not all on the Ducks goaltender. Anaheim hasn’t been very good. But Gibson needs to respond in a big way during the second half of the 2022-23 NHL season. His .896 save percentage and relative lack of structure do not line up with the $6.4 million he’s owed in each of the next four NHL seasons.

Hill is 3-1-0 in his last four games and has won two-thirds of his starts for Vegas this season. He has a .903 save percentage. Playing in a No. 2 role, he’s more than done his job. But the advanced numbers aren’t quite as rosy. Hill’s goals saved above expected (moneypuck.com) is 68th in the NHL, just two spots ahead of Gibson.

Gibson and Hill both have a tendency to end up outside the posts. And both spend a fair amount of time on their backside. They’re similar goaltenders. But the difference is that Hill is able to use his 6-foot-4 frame to his advantage. He can reach pucks others can’t. And Vegas is a much better team than Anaheim.

What fantasy owners should do:

Even against a tired and depleted Vegas lineup, I wouldn’t start Gibson. But I do think Hill is likely to earn a win. I just don’t think he’ll see many shots.

Bottom line for Adin Hill:

Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy has thrown shade at his goalies recently. Hill can’t allow any stinkers.

Bottom line for John Gibson:

He has to turn things around. And soon.