McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Feb. 28 – Sergei Bobrovsky vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Tue. Feb. 28, 2023:

Why I like this matchup:

The Russian duo have been among the busiest goalies in the NHL during the month of February. Bobrovsky and Vasilevskiy have both played eight games in the past four weeks, and each has authored five wins.

What to watch for:

Bobrovsky has been really consistent in February for the Panthers. In seven of eight games during the month, his save percentage has been above 90 percent. The Panthers are making a push for the Stanley Cup playoffs and Bobrovsky has stepped up. In my eyes, he’s only had one bad game in the calendar year of 2023.

Bobrovsky has a .921 save percentage in February while Vasilevskiy comes in at .919. So at first glance, they’ve had similar months. But that’s not quite the case for the Lightning netminder. Vasilevskiy has allowed six or more goals twice this month.

But the fun fact? Each time Vasilevskiy was lit up in February, his next performance was a shutout. He’s currently coming off a 45-save blanking of the Detroit Red Wings after he allowed six goals in his previous start against the Buffalo Sabres. Vasilevskiy’s unique ability to shrug off a bad performance has earned him the reputation of being hockey’s best money goaltender.

I like watching these two go head-to-head not because they’re both from Russia, but because they’re both super explosive goaltenders capable of making jaw-dropping lateral saves. Bobrovsky and Vasilevskiy can reach with their legs for pucks that other goalies simply cannot get to. Each has a rare level of dexterity to their game.

What fantasy owners should do:

Bob has been good in the saves and save percentage columns for fantasy owners. And wins have been better lately. So I’d start him. And even despite a couple rough outings recently, Vasilevskiy is a lock to start for fantasy owners.

Bottom line for Sergei Bobrovsky:

The Panthers have to beat tough like Tampa Bay to make the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Bottom line for Andrei Vasilevskiy:

Own the crease. Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk will be all over him tonight.