McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Jan. 21 – Jake Oettinger vs. Connor Ingram
Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Sat. Jan. 21, 2023:
Why I like this matchup:
Ingram has played some inspired hockey lately for the Coyotes. And Oettinger is looking to rebound after allowing four goals in a losing effort Wednesday against the San Jose Sharks.
What to watch for:
I’m a big fan of Ingram’s progression as a goaltender. He patiently spent five years developing in the AHL before finally getting a break with the Coyotes this season in a full-time capacity. Playing behind a talent-starved Arizona team hasn’t been easy sledding for the Saskatoon native. But Ingram has come on strong. In his last five starts, the Coyotes goaltender sports a .929 save percentage. Ingram plays a modern, compact game built around calculated movements. And at 25 years old, he’s mature for a rookie.
Oettinger’s 20 wins and .924 save percentage instantly puts him into consideration for this year’s Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s top goaltender. And rightly so. Prior to the previous outing against the Sharks, Oettinger completed a nine-game run where his save percentage never dropped below 90 percent. If there’s any fault to his technique, it’s that Oettinger doesn’t rotate as well as some of the premier goalies around the NHL. But he’s been a pillar of consistency in goal for Dallas. I love Oettinger’s skating and mental approach. Little seems to rattle the 24-year-old from Minnesota.
What fantasy owners should do:
Oettinger is a lock to start. And no matter how well Ingram has played lately, his best category in fantasy is saves. So if that’s what your team needs, start him. Otherwise, I would look elsewhere.
Bottom line for Jake Oettinger:
No game is a layup in the NHL – even against the lowly Coyotes. It’s important for him to approach tonight’s game like any other.
Bottom line for Connor Ingram:
Confidence is great, and preparation helps. Study up on Dallas’ power play and be prepared for Stars forward Jason Robertson to find difficult shooting lanes.