McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Dec. 9 – Tristan Jarry vs. Craig Anderson

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Fri. Dec. 9, 2022:

Why I like this matchup:

Jarry has been red hot for the Penguins, while Anderson continues to defy father time in the Buffalo crease. 

What to watch for:

Whatever caused the switch to flip on for Jarry, the Penguins are hoping it doesn’t go off. After struggling through the early going, Jarry has been on fire. He hasn’t lost a game in regulation since Nov. 5 and Jarry is 7-0-2 over that span. I think he’s been tracking the puck extremely well. And the Penguins have improved defensively – especially on the penalty kill. Jarry has done a nice job of finding lanes and peering around traffic of late.

At 41 years of age, Anderson is the oldest player in the NHL. Yet he’s still performing at a high level. Among NHL goaltenders that have played at least 10 games, Anderson’s .916 save percentage is 10th best. He’s a throwback: Anderson will stack the pads and flash the leather in ways rarely seen nowadays. But don’t underestimate the veteran netminder’s technical side. He’s done a nice job of updating his technique while remaining true to his athletic self.

What fantasy owners should do:

Even though Buffalo Sabres center Tage Thompson has been on a scoring tear, I would still start Jarry. The Penguins backstop has been great in all categories for fantasy owners. Anderson will likely face a lot of rubber but coming away with a win might be a tall task against Pittsburgh. So I would choose wisely. If your team needs saves, play Anderson.

Bottom line for Tristan Jarry:

If he doesn’t arrive early and get his feet set against Thompson, Jarry will be in trouble. His movements need to be crisp.

Bottom line for Craig Anderson:

Experience is his greatest asset. He’s seen Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin plenty over the course of his NHL career and knows their tendencies. Use that knowledge.