McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Jan. 26 – Connor Hellebuyck vs. Eric Comrie
Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Thu. Jan. 26, 2023:
Why I like this matchup:
Hellebuyck, despite being a rock for the Jets this season, has had a tough go lately. And Comrie hasn’t won an NHL game for the Sabres since Nov. 2, 2022. Both goalies could use a strong performance tonight.
What to watch for:
I liked Hellebuyck’s last outing on Tuesday against Nashville. He stopped 39 of 41 shots and looked strong in doing so, yet he didn’t get the win. It was another step in the right direction, because I thought Hellebuyck was starting to wear down. He wasn’t his best against Montreal and Toronto the previous week and looked out of sync. Hellebuyck’s tracking has been top notch this season, and I know he loves to play every minute possible. But the Jets have three games left before the All-Star break, and I think Hellebuyck is going to need the rest.
Comrie faced a ton of rubber at the start of the year for Buffalo, and rattled off a couple impressive wins against Edmonton and Calgary. But despite having excellent mechanics and patience, he hasn’t been able to replicate those performances very often. Tonight will be his second game since returning to the Sabres after missing an extended period due to injury. For everything that Comrie does well – which is a lot – size might be hurting him. He’s 6-foot-1 but has struggled to find pucks through traffic. Comrie has lost five games in a row.
What fantasy owners should do:
I think tonight has a strong chance at being high scoring. I wouldn’t feel very comfortable with either goalie. But Comrie is due for a win, and Hellebuyck historically puts up outstanding fantasy numbers. Of the two, Hellebuyck is the stronger bet.
Bottom line for Connor Hellebuyck:
He’s dropped three of his last four starts. Earning a few wins before the All-Star break would erase any self-doubts.
Bottom line for Eric Comrie:
There’s a three-headed goalie monster in Buffalo right now, with Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Craig Anderson vying for playing time. Comrie needs to step up.