McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Mar. 17 – Darcy Kuemper vs. Joel Hofer

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Fri. Mar. 17, 2023:

Why I like this matchup:

Despite selling at the NHL trade deadline, Kuemper and the Capitals are still in the Stanley Cup playoff hunt. Every game is magnified for Washington. St. Louis is in a much different position. The Blues aren’t going to make the Stanley Cup playoffs. But with No.1 goaltender Jordan Binnington currently suspended, the timing was perfect for Joel Hofer to get his first start of the 2022-23 season.

What to watch for:

Hofer is likely destined to be in St. Louis next season. Armed with a two-year, one-way NHL contract that kicks in next season, he’s had a monster year in the AHL. Hofer has a .920 save percentage and 22-14-4 record with the Springfield Thunderbirds. He played in the 2023 AHL All-Star game and will likely receive consideration for post-season awards.

Puckhandling is a strength for Hofer. He scored a goal last year while in the AHL, and he’s already posted four assists this season. At 6-foot-5, size isn’t an issue. And at 22 years old, Hofer is still learning. But getting a taste of the NHL again before the 2022-23 season concludes will be a nice appetizer for his future in St. Louis.

A 4-3-1 record in Kuemper’s last eight appearances simply hasn’t been enough to get Washington over the hump. He hasn’t been horrible. But Kuemper also hasn’t been stealing games like he did early in the 2022-23 season. In his last 12 appearances, the Capitals goalie has allowed three or more goals nine times. Again, not bad, but with a beat up team in front of him, Kuemper carries a heavy burden.

What fantasy owners should do:

Hofer would be a big hope play, but if you can grab him as a free agent for one game, maybe he can surprise. St. Louis will be amped to play in front of the rookie netminder. Unfortunately for fantasy owners, Kuemper has been frustrating. He’s posted five shutouts – but none since Jan. 19. Kuemper has only won 20 of 47 games. I’d consider sitting him against St. Louis: the Blues are prone to track meet-style games.

Bottom line for Darcy Kuemper:

Adequate goaltending won’t be enough to get the Caps back in the Stanley Cup playoff hunt. He has to be nearly flawless for the remainder of the season.

Bottom line for Joel Hofer:

He’s done everything necessary to prove he’s ready for the NHL.