McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Feb. 11 – Joseph Woll vs. Elvis Merzlikins

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Sat. Feb. 11, 2023:

Why I like this matchup:

With no disrespect to Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins: the focus of tonight’s game is on Maple Leafs netminder Joseph Woll, who is set to make his first home start in Toronto.

What to watch for:

Woll has the potential to be a difference-maker in the NHL. He just needs to be healthy. The fourth-year pro from outside St. Louis, Missouri has taken longer to develop than expected for a third-round draft pick due to injuries. But the mechanics are there. And Woll processes the game in an intelligent manner. He’s a thinker with a strong work ethic.

Last season Woll got a taste of NHL action, going 3-1-0 in the Toronto crease and earning his first shutout. Now, with goaltender Matt Murray sidelined, Woll has another chance to audition for the Maple Leafs. He began the year hurt, but in 14 AHL games with the Toronto Marlies, Woll has gone 13-1-0. He has a .930 save percentage and recently competed in the AHL All-Star game.

Merzlikins has lost three straight for the Blue Jackets and owns a .870 save percentage. Only twice this season – in 18 starts – has the Latvian goaltender allowed less than three goals in a game. Merzlikins has a 4.42 goals against average along with a record of 5-14-0.

What fantasy owners should do:

Woll could be a great short-term pickup for fantasy owners, and someone to keep an eye on for next season. I would start him tonight. I would not play Merzlikins.

Bottom line for Joseph Woll:

He needs to treat tonight’s game just like any other. The only pressure is what he puts on himself.

Bottom line for Elvis Merzlikins:

His play has to improve with four more seasons on his contract at a $5.4 million cap hit.