McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Feb. 27 – Thatcher Demko vs. Alexandar Georgiev

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Tue. Feb. 27, 2022:

Why I like this matchup:

Thatcher Demko is one of hockey’s premier goaltenders, while Alexandar Georgiev has become a Trade Target.

What to watch for:

Two talented goaltenders that have a strong grasp of modern, technical goaltending. 

The difference between them is that I find Demko – a 2022 NHL All-Star – to be more in control. He stays between his posts and rarely gets out of position. Demko’s consistency is a result of his detail-oriented approach. He’s allowed one goal or less in 11 of his 40 starts. That’s quite an accomplishment playing for a Vancouver Canucks team that has struggled defensively.

Georgiev has won just seven of his 17 starts this season and has reportedly expressed an interest in being traded. There is little upward mobility for him in New York since goalie partner – and Vezina trophy front-runner – Igor Shesterkin has taken over the Rangers crease.

I think Georgiev has a really nice skill and the athleticism to go with it. But he tends to play better when he’s consistently getting starts – like in early December when he won three straight games and allowed just five goals over that span. The Rangers are loose defensively and Georgiev has struggled against good opponents. In games against Carolina, Vegas, Edmonton, and Washington this season, the 26-year-old Bulgarian netminder has allowed five or more goals against.

What fantasy owners should do:

Demko faces a lot of rubber, so if your team needs saves, don’t be afraid to start him. He’s won two games in a row but New York has a lethal offense that could prove troublesome. Demko did make 23 saves on 25 shots against the Rangers earlier this season on Nov. 2, but there is risk starting him.

Georgiev has lost three straight games and allowed 12 goals over the span. He has not started a game since January 27th. The Rangers are good, but if you have better options in goal, I would consider starting them instead of Georgiev.

Bottom line for Demko:

Be a rock on the penalty kill and find a way to make one extra save.

Bottom line for Georgiev:

Talk is cheap. Play like a starting goaltender.