McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Mar. 30 – Laurent Brossoit vs. James Reimer

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Thu. Mar. 30, 2023:

Why I like this matchup:

Every game is big for Brossoit: he has a genuine opportunity to earn the Golden Knights crease for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs. And Reimer was outstanding in his last outing this past Tuesday against the Winnipeg Jets when he posted a 41-shot shutout.

What to watch for:

With a win tonight, Vegas could be the first team in the Western Conference to clinch a spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs. And it should be a cakewalk against San Jose, a team that recently lost nine games in a row. But there’s no love lost between the two franchises.

Brossoit started the 2022-23 season coming off of hip surgery, and soon found himself relegated to the AHL’s Hender Silver Knights. In 23 games, he posted a .909 save percentage while working himself back into game shape. Since being recalled to Vegas, Brossoit has yet to lose in regulation, earning a 2-0-2 record.

Of all the Golden Knights netminders, Brossoit is the most structured. He’s consistent in his movements and routes. And that’s something head coach Bruce Cassidy can depend on. But he’s also missed time due to injury. With the crease unsettled in Vegas, a strong finish to the 2022-23 season could earn Brossoit the starting job.

Reimer hasn’t had it easy with the Sharks this season. The team has largely been dismantled, and the goaltender has been a lightning rod for criticism since opting out of warmups on Pride Night. But Reimer has provided a steady hand in goal for the Sharks, leading the team with 11 wins in 37 starts. He was outstanding in his last outing against Winnipeg, making multiple highlight-reel saves en route to snapping a nine-game losing streak for the Sharks.

What fantasy owners should do:

Brossoit could be a real value for fantasy owners if he’s available. I would start him tonight and leave Reimer on the bench.

Bottom line for Laurent Brossoit:

The next few months of his career could be life-changing.

Bottom line for James Reimer:

The season can’t end soon enough.