McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Feb. 6 – Carter Hart vs. Semyon Varlamov

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Mon. Feb. 6, 2023:

Why I like this matchup:

Hart has been a catalyst for the Flyers’ recent uptick in play. While Varlamov keeps quietly going about his business on Long Island, playing quality minutes alongside goalie partner Ilya Sorokin.

What to watch for:

Hart has his mojo back. And for Varlamov to play the most contained version of his game. Philadelphia might be 23rd league-wide, but it isn’t because of any deficiency in goal with Hart. He’s gotten points in four straight games. And the 24-year-old netminder authored a standout, 4-0 shutout win over the Winnipeg Jets in his last outing before the NHL All-Star break.

I like watching Hart because his game is so fluid yet precise. Years of technical training make the game simple for him. And his reads have improved over the course of his now five-year career in the NHL. Through my eyes, Hart has been more patient this year. And he’s rarely caught out of position. Don’t let Hart’s .911 fool you: he’s been one of the NHL’s best netminders during the 2022-23 campaign.

Varlamov is still worthy of being a No.1 goalie in the NHL, which gives the Islanders a lethal tandem when you consider Ilya Sorokin is playing at a Vezina Trophy-level caliber. At 34 years of age, Varlamov has years of experience to draw upon. But what made him a hot prospect years ago is still the bedrock of his game: explosiveness.

New York’s goaltender still has some of the best lateral movement in hockey. But over the years he’s come to rely on it less often. Since coming to Long Island, Varlamov has reigned in his game. He’s positionally sound. Pucks hit the Russian goaltender far more often than he has to make saves. Varlamov has a .918 save percentage and a 9-6-1 record this year.

What fantasy owners should do:

I like Hart better than Varlamov in this game. Even though the Islanders will have recent acquisition Bo Horvat in the lineup, the offense has been hard to come by. I would start both goaltenders.

Bottom line for Carter Hart:

Win the net-front battle against Horvat. Finding sightlines will be critical.

Bottom line for Semyon Varlamov:

He has to keep the Flyers to three goals or less to have a chance at winning. Preferably two.