McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Mar. 6 – Stuart Skinner vs. Craig Anderson
Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Mon. Mar. 6, 2023:
Why I like this matchup:
Skinner has a chance to grab the Oilers’ net, while the Sabres continue to push for a spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
What to watch for:
For a goaltender with a .918 save percentage in 21 games, it’s hard to believe Anderson has only won nine times. But the veteran of 19 NHL seasons has turned in some whopper performances this season, including a 50-save win Feb. 24th against one of his former teams, the Florida Panthers. It’s been hit or miss for Anderson in the Buffalo cage, but when he’s on, he can steal games. Buffalo sits just three points out of the second wild card slot in the NHL’s eastern conference.
Skinner has been consistent in the Oilers’ net which shines through with his traditional numbers. He’s allowed less than three goals per game and boasts a .912 save percentage. Where Skinner excels is the level of control he plays with. Skinner has allowed two or three goals in 23 of his 34 starts. Playing behind a high-scoring team like Edmonton, that level of consistency should have earned the 24-year-old more than 17 wins. But the Oilers haven’t given him the same level of scoring that his goalie partner, Jack Campbell, has received.
What fantasy owners should do:
I like Skinner against most NHL teams but the Sabres are ripping it up offensively. And despite Anderson having a career .910 save percentage against Edmonton, going up against red-hot forwards Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl makes me nervous. I’d be hesitant to start either goalie if your fantasy team has a better option.
Bottom line for Stuart Skinner:
Jack Campbell has lost four straight games and struggled mightily. The door is wide open for Skinner to take the No.1 job in advance of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Bottom line for Craig Anderson:
This season might be a victory lap for the veteran NHL goaltender, but he has a chance to lead a young Buffalo team to the Stanley Cup playoffs.