McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Feb. 28 – Petr Mrazek vs. Ilya Samsonov

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Tue. Feb. 28, 2022:

Why I like this matchup:

Mrazek has a real chance to take over the crease in Toronto, while Samsonov is trying to hang on to it in Washington.

What to watch for:

Despite playing only 15 minutes in Saturday’s wild 10-7 Maple Leafs victory over the Red Wings, Mrazek was credited with the win. That makes two in-a-row for the Czech netminder, who allowed just one goal on 30 shots against the Minnesota Wild on Feb. 24. With Jack Campbell struggling, the window for Mrazek to take hold in Toronto is open. He needs to capitalize on the opportunity.

Capitals goaltender Ilya Samsonov has lost two straight games, allowing six goals on 43 shots over that span. The Russian goaltender relies on instinct as much as technical prowess, and I think that’s a big reason why he tends to play better when he faces a higher shot total. Vitek Vanecek will likely be returning to the Capitals soon and he’s been the better of the two Capitals goaltenders this season. The pressure is on Samsonov.

What fantasy owners should do:

Toronto has given no reason to be confident they’ll play a strong defensive game, and Mrazek’s free-flowing style could be troublesome against the Capitals’ offensive weapons. I would keep Mrazek on the fantasy bench.

Samsonov is 4-6-0 in his last ten games. He has one start against the Maple Leafs during his career, a win in which he allowed three goals on 32 shots. Toronto has routinely scored three or more goals this season. Fantasy owners should be wary of starting Samsonov.

Bottom line for Mrazek:

He doesn’t just need wins: Mrazek’s game needs to pass the eye test.

Bottom line for Samsonov:

He’s got to be better on rebound chances and plays in tight if he wants to earn the starting job.