McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Mar. 7 – Pavel Francouz vs. Semyon Varlamov

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Tue. Mar. 7, 2022:

Why I like this matchup:

Pavel Francouz and Semyon Varlamov are two of the best backup goaltenders in the NHL. Both could easily be starters elsewhere, which I think might happen for Varlamov before the 2021-22 season is over. Any team looking to upgrade in goal at the trade deadline should be considering him.

What to watch for:

Francouz has excellent mechanics and plays much bigger than his six-foot frame. His numbers across several pro leagues – and continents – are staggering. The 31-year old Czech goaltender hasn’t posted a save percentage below .918 since he turned 21. And he’s done it in the Czech league, KHL, AHL, and NHL.

The Colorado Avalanche netminder is 9-3-1 on the season. Francouz is winless in his past two games despite only allowing three goals against, though one of those appearances was in relief against Calgary. His quality play this season, highlighted by a .923 save percentage, has been a security blanket for Colorado starting goaltender Darcy Kuemper.

The New York Islanders have been strong defensively, but Varlamov hasn’t won a game since Jan. 18, dropping his last five starts. It’s been a tough year for the Russian goaltender. Varlamov missed the first month of the season due to injury and didn’t win a game until Dec. 16. His 3-11-1 record is disappointing, but Varlamov’s .912 save percentage shouldn’t be overlooked. 

With one year remaining on his contract at $5 million, and recent experience as a top-tier NHL starting goalie, I wouldn’t be surprised if Varlamov is traded in the next two weeks.

What fantasy owners should do:

I would argue Varlamov is due for a win but, against Colorado, that might be a tall task. It would be a big gamble to play him.

Starting Francouz is a no-brainer. The Avalanche are the best team in the NHL, and the Islanders have struggled mightily to score goals.

Bottom line for Pavel Francouz:

One save at a time. Francouz is 2-2-1 despite a 2.39 goals against average in his last five games.

Bottom line for Semyon Varlamov:

Play well, steal a game, and increase his trade value. There is no future in Long Island playing behind Sorokin.