McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Mar. 25 – Pyotr Kochetkov vs. Andrei Vasilevskiy
Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Tue. Mar. 28, 2023:
Why I like this matchup:
Kochetkov and Vasilevskiy represent the latest wave of Russian goaltenders that have taken the NHL by storm. And they share many similarities in how they play.
What to watch for:
Kochetkov is an interesting case. Through the 2022 calendar year he looked like a world-beater in net for Carolina. But 2023 hasn’t been nearly as kind to the 23-year old netminder. In five of his last eight games, Kochetkov has posted a sub-90 percent save percentage and allowed 26 goals. His 2-5-1 record over that span is troubling given how strong the Hurricanes are. Kochetkov has had a tough schedule of opponents, but he did win his last game against Toronto on Mar. 25: a 41-save effort at home. I like his battle and balance. Kochetkov has a touch of old school in him. But he needs to regain early form.
Vasilevskiy has been on a similar trajectory to Kochetkov. Good at times. Worrisome in others. While the Tampa Bay team in front of him hasn’t been great defensively, Vasilevskiy has still lost three games in a row, including dropping one to the lowly Canadiens a week ago. I tend to think Vasilevskiy performs better with more action, but that hasn’t always held true this season. On nights when the Lightning netminder sees less than 25 shots, I think he has a hard time finding a rhythm.
What fantasy owners should do:
Kochetkov makes me nervous right now, even if he’s playing behind a talented Carolina squad. Against Tampa Bay, he carries some risk. Vasilevskiy should be good against Carolina: a team that fires a lot of shots, but not always of great quality. Start ‘The Big Cat.’
Bottom line for Pyotr Kochetkov:
As well as he’s played – and he still might factor in this year’s Stanley Cup playoffs – Kochetkov is still building towards being full-time for the Hurricanes next season. And beyond.
Bottom line for Andrei Vasilevskiy:
The Lighting might need him more than ever for this year’s Stanley Cup playoff run.