McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Jan. 13 – David Rittich vs. Dustin Tokarski
Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Fri. Jan. 13, 2023:
Why I like this matchup:
With Pittsburgh No.1 goalie Tristan Jarry on the injured reserve, it’s up to Dustin Tokarski to keep the Penguins afloat. For Rittich, tonight’s game is a chance at consecutive wins: something the Jets netminder hasn’t accomplished since late November.
What to watch for:
After playing 29 games for the Buffalo Sabres last season, Tokarski was left without an NHL chair this past offseason when the music stopped. But the demotion hasn’t stopped him from dominating the AHL with the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins. Tokarski has a .926 save percentage in 18 games with the Penguins’ minor league affiliate. And the veteran of 77 NHL regular season contests was outstanding in a relief performance Tuesday against the Vancouver Canucks when he stopped 18 of 19 shots and earned the win.
I wasn’t sold on Rittich coming into Winnipeg this season as Connor Hellebuyck’s backup. But he’s performed admirably for the Jets, winning six of 10 games and posting a respectable .904 save percentage. Rittich has always been quick, but over the past few years, I felt the crispness of his game had slipped. He would get too wide and lose his angle. But I think Rittich has done a better job this year of staying square. And he seems to be a little more patient on his edges.
What fantasy owners should do:
It’s a back-to-back set for the Jets on the road, and Rittich won the last time out. If history teaches anything, tonight might be a challenge. I’d be nervous to start Rittich. And equally nervous starting DeSmith (Tokarski). Pittsburgh has been all over the place lately.
Bottom line for David Rittich:
Keep the game simple and take every whistle possible. The Jets will need to conserve every bit of energy.
Bottom line for Dustin Tokarski:
He’s playing with house money, but the Penguins need wins. The pressure is real.