McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Dec. 3 – Matt Murray vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy
Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Sat. Dec. 3, 2022:
Why I like this matchup:
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning might be on a collision course towards another first round matchup in the 2022-23 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Barring injury, Murray and Vasilevskiy will likely be the starting netminders for their respective clubs.
What to watch for:
Murray has been outstanding since he returned from injury on Nov. 15. He’s won five of six starts, with his only loss coming against the New Jersey Devils in overtime. Toronto has earned 11 of a possible 14 points with Murray in goal this season.
I find that impressive because Murray has been tinkering with his game since becoming a member of the Maple Leafs. His post integrations are a work in progress. And he still gets wide and locked in at times. But I think Murray is playing with more jam and conviction than I’ve seen in quite some time, and that intensity has paid dividends.
Vasilevskiy has also excelled recently. In his last six starts, the Lightning goaltender has a .923 save percentage and has won four times. Take away one tough outing against the Atlantic Division-leading Boston Bruins and Vasilevskiy’s numbers would be much higher.
‘The Big Cat’ started the year rather mediocre. I felt he was getting locked in and failing to adjust his angle, leaving space for shooters. Lately he’s been better about angles and the results have come with it. He’s allowed two or fewer goals in five of the last six games he played.
What fantasy owners should do:
I like both goalies tonight, with maybe a slight edge to Vasilevskiy. But I’d be comfortable starting either goaltender.
Bottom line for Matt Murray:
He’ll need to be Toronto’s best penalty killer. Tampa Bay is potent with the man advantage.
Bottom line for Andrei Vasilevskiy:
If he can keep Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner off the scoreboard, I think the Lightning win.