McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Mar. 6 – Anton Forsberg vs. Robin Lehner
Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Tue. Mar. 6, 2022:
Why I like this matchup:
It’s a battle of the Swedes! Vegas Golden Knights backstop Robin Lehner has a .943 save percentage when facing his old team. In 12 starts against the Senators, he’s never lost in regulation. Anton Forsberg continues to impress in net for Ottawa with an 11-9-2 record and .918 save percentage. He could be on the move at the trade deadline.
What to watch for:
Forsberg is a technical goaltender at heart, but he has the creativity and athleticism to break from structure when called upon. He’s been the best netminder this season for the Senators – a bargain. Forsberg’s $900,000 salary makes him an affordable option for NHL teams needing depth in goal. Before he joined the Senators, Forsberg’s NHL career was in limbo. Now he’s likely due a multi-year contract with a hefty raise. It’ll be interesting if Ottawa GM Pierre Dorion elects to re-sign the Härnösand native.
For Lehner, it’s been an up and down season halted several times by injury. He usually plays within his crease, but at times Lehner will challenge when he knows the puck carrier doesn’t have a passing option. Lehner is at his best when the Golden Knights prevent cross-ice passes and let him see the shot. He’s a strong positional goaltender who anticipates well. But Lehner struggles to rotate and has a tendency to linger on his knees. He’s 5-4-1 in his past 10 starts.
What fantasy owners should do:
If you need a win, start Lehner. If you need saves, start Forsberg. But this game is a bit of a wildcard: both teams have been loose defensively.
Bottom line for Anton Forsberg:
Get his team through the first period tied or with the lead. He needs to give the Senators hope, especially after the team’s embarrassing 8-5 loss to the Arizona Coyotes yesterday.
Bottom line for Robin Lehner:
People have doubted Lehner since he arrived in Vegas. If he can be patient on his edges and keep his knees underneath him once down on the ice, it would help quiet the haters.