McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Jan. 11 Darcy Kuemper vs. Carter Hart

Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

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

Why I like this matchup:

Kuemper has excelled in his first season with the Capitals. And Hart continues to punch above his weight behind a weak – but surging – team in Philadelphia.

What to watch for:

Hart is the better skater of the two. But Kuemper probably has the edge when it comes to reading the play. And both have stolen a handful of games.

During the opening stretch of the 2022-23 NHL season, Kuemper couldn’t buy wins. Yet he was performing admirably. Washington was missing key pieces to the lineup and finding their way offensively.

Kuemper really turned it up around American Thanksgiving. He hasn’t lost in regulation since Nov. 19. Part of his success comes from the Capitals playing better all-around hockey. But it also took Kuemper a bit to adjust to his new surroundings, much like last season with the Colorado Avalanche.

It’s always hard to gauge a goalie’s performance behind a team starved for wins, but Hart has been a bright spot in Philadelphia. His .908 save percentage is well below his actual performance: moneypuck.com has the Flyers netminder ranked ninth in goals saved above average.

Hart will have nights where he allows four goals yet plays out of his mind. It’s not always easy to stay focused and positive in that setting, but I think Hart has grown into managing it. At just 24 years of age, Hart has already played 175 NHL games.

If you could merge Kuemper’s size and reads with Hart’s technical prowess and positioning, the result might be the ideal goaltender.

What fantasy owners should do:

I wouldn’t start Hart tonight with Washington icing close to a full lineup. Kuemper has been on a roll. I’d play him.

Bottom line for Darcy Kuemper:

Don’t underestimate the Flyers. Philadelphia has won five of their last six games.

Bottom line for Carter Hart:

Beating Washington is always a priority for Philadelphia. Make it happen.