McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Dec. 29 – Marc-Andre Fleury vs. Jake Oettinger

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Thu. Dec. 29, 2022:

Why I like this matchup:

Marc-Andre Fleury was Jake Oettinger’s childhood hero. Enough said.

What to watch for:

Old school versus new school! But I’d be hesitant to characterize Fleury as a throwback. He’s updated his game in recent years yet he still has tools from yesteryear that most modern goalies simply don’t utilize. Fleury will throw pokechecks and make saves half-standing – a rarity among the new generation of goalies.

At times this season I think the Wild goaltender has gotten stuck trying too hard. That competitive fire has driven his entire career. But it only works up to a limit. Fleury is at his best when he’s having fun and patient on his edges. Lately the 38-year old has been outstanding: he’s won three straight and allowed only one goal in each game.

I like watching Oettinger because he’s so technically proficient. But I also think he reads the game extremely well. He’s mature in the crease for a 24-year old. Oettinger skates well and utilizes small movements at the top of the crease to stay on angle. And he presents himself very big to shooters.

Lately Oettinger has been vulnerable on the rush and high glove side. Sometimes those problems can arise when a goalie is overly technical. My impression is that it’s a temporary blip. But it’s something to keep an eye on. Oettinger has posted wins in his last two starts for Dallas.

What fantasy owners should do:

Both goalies have been hot recently – start them both.

Bottom line for Marc-Andre Fleury:

The pressure from upstart goalie partner Fillip Gustavsson is real: competition exists in the Wild crease. And Fleury has responded.

Bottom line for Jake Oettinger:

Dallas is leading the Central Division and the team is rock solid. But Oettinger has played a much bigger role than many people realize.