McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Mar. 10 – Joonas Korpisalo vs. Ilya Sorokin
Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Tue. Mar. 10, 2022:
Why I like this matchup:
Joonas Korpisalo is currently listed at No. 28 on Frank Seravalli’s trade target list and could be moved any day by the Blue Jackets. At the other end of the ice, Ilya Sorokin isn’t going anywhere. He’s been one of the few bright spots this season for the New York Islanders.
What to watch for:
The stark difference in style between Korpisalo and Sorokin. Korpisalo is a free-flowing, explosive, rangy goaltender. And while that natural athleticism can be flashy, it’s also a detriment. Korpisalo will chase pucks laterally, oftentimes making his movement route longer than necessary. He’ll end up off his angle and, to compensate, is forced to reach for pucks.
When he’s in the zone, Korpisalo can steal wins. But this season the Blue Jackets netminder has only started two games where he’s allowed two goals against or less. Korpisalo has an .887 save percentage and 6-8-0 record.
Sorokin was very good in his NHL debut last season, finishing with a 13-6-3 record and .918 save percentage as a rookie. This year he’s taken it another step further. Sorokin’s .923 save percentage ranks among the league’s best.
I think the Islanders goaltender is very disciplined in his game. Very rarely does Sorokin venture into the white ice without a reason. He is adept at accepting the rush with backward flow and using his posts as bumpers when necessary. Sorokin’s precision allows him to arrive early and have more time to track the puck.
What fantasy owners should do:
Typically I would leave Korpisalo on the bench. But the Islanders struggle to score and Korpisalo has won two games in a row. If you have better options in net, use them. But Korpisalo could surprise.
Sorokin is a great long play for fantasy owners. He should be good for years to come in the NHL. His numbers are fantastic – except the win column. He’s 18-12-7 on the season.
Bottom line for Joonas Korpisalo:
Stay awake. The Islanders are 27th in the NHL in shots per game. Korpisalo might have to find a way to stay involved in the game even if he’s not seeing much action.
Bottom line for Ilya Sorokin:
Be ready for the quick attack of Patrik Laine and Boone Jenner. Sorokin has to make sure that he stays active and doesn’t get caught flat-footed against an increasingly dynamic Columbus offense.