McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Jan. 9 – Stuart Skinner vs. Pheonix Copley

Credit: © Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Mon. Jan. 9, 2023:

Why I like this matchup:

I think the Pacific Division is going to be a dogfight until the very end of the 2022-23 NHL season. And right now, Skinner and Copley are carrying the mail for their respective teams. The Oilers and Kings might very well face one another early in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

What to watch for:

Two goalies that I think play a similar game. Skinner and Copley are both methodical in their movements. Each netminder is a solid skater who relies on positioning as much as reflex to make saves.

Skinner is coming off an overtime loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday, when he made 43 saves on 46 shots and was named the third star of the game. For me, Skinner has been extremely consistent behind a leaky Oilers defense. It’s pretty simple: if he allows three goals or less, Edmonton is likely to win.

Copley is now 10-2-0 for the Kings since being recalled from their AHL-affiliate Ontario Reign. While his .904 save percentage isn’t eye-catching, his consistent play is exactly what L.A. has needed over the past several seasons. Copley has allowed two or fewer goals in eight of his 12 starts.

Both goaltenders have shown that they can play the bulk of games over a short time frame. And the longer that span goes, the more likely each is to earn the crease should their teams qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs.

What fantasy owners should do:

Copley hasn’t faced Edmonton yet this season, and despite the Oilers being in somewhat of a scoring funk lately, I would choose another netminder over the Kings netminder if your team has a better option. And I’m not sold on Skinner tonight, either. Neither goalie is a bad option. But tonight has the recipe for a high-scoring game.

Bottom line for Stuart Skinner:

I think it’s about preparation for Skinner. Kings forward Kevin Fiala will be all over the ice. And the Kings have been tough in front of the net lately.

Bottom line for Pheonix Copley:

As well as Copley has played, the Kings are probably still nervous about his ability to carry the team for the rest of the season. Consistency is everything for him.