McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Jan. 31 – Pheonix Copley vs. Frederik Andersen
Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Tue. Jan. 31, 2023:
Why I like this matchup:
Copley and Andersen have been winning machines for the Kings and Hurricanes respectively. But I really want to see how Copley does against Carolina, one of the NHL’s best team.
What to watch for:
Controlled mechanics. Copley and Andersen are both strong technically and rarely find themselves out of position. Almost to a fault. Neither is possessed with the greatest natural athleticism, but they make up for it with smart, economical skating routes. And they present big in the net.
Andersen missed over two months of action due to injury earlier this season, but it hasn’t hurt his game. In fact I think it might be even better. Because the Hurricanes have quality netminders behind him on the depth chart, Andersen didn’t need to rush back. He’s looked in control and hasn’t lost a game in regulation since Nov. 6. The Carolina netminder has a .909 save percentage on the season along with a 10-3-0 record.
Where would the L.A. Kings be without Copley? Maybe not even in the Stanley Cup playoffs, given how poorly the year started in goal for the Southern California club. 2-time Stanley Cup winner Jonathan Quick has a losing record, and the presumed No. 1 of the future, Cal Petersen, was sent to the AHL after a terrible start.
Copley has responded by providing the King with solid, consistent goaltending. His .901 save percentage is below league average, but his 15-3-0 record is not. And the goalie from North Pole, Alaska has a budding bromance with actor Will Ferrell. Life’s good for Pheonix.
What fantasy owners should do:
I like both in this game. Although Copley carries more risk than Anderson.
Bottom line for Pheonix Copley:
Carolina can be a tough road building. Hold the fort through the first period and slow the game down by covering as many pucks as possible.
Bottom line for Frederik Andersen:
He’s been playing great. But don’t get hurt. Health is the key in Carolina’s crease.