McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Mar. 7 – Tristan Jarry vs. Elvis Merzlikins
Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Tue. Mar. 7, 2023:
Why I like this matchup:
Games between the Blue Jackets and Penguins are always electric, regardless of location. And I’m excited to watch Jarry in net for Pittsburgh: he’s won three straight as the Penguins continue to march towards the Stanley Cup playoffs.
What to watch for:
Jarry’s puckhandling and Merzlikins’ energy. The Penguins managed to stay in the postseason hunt while Jarry was sidelined due to injury for over a month, but there’s no doubt in my mind Pittsburgh is a different team with him in the net. He handles the puck incredibly well outside his crease and can jumpstart the team’s breakout. Jarry’s tracking is excellent when he’s at the top of his game. And he’s a pretty good skater. Nothing is particularly flashy about him, but Jarry has amassed quite a record as a member of the Penguins. The 27-year old has gone 112-54-18 in seven NHL seasons.
It’s been a rough year for Merzlikins, but the Blue Jackets netminder has been incredibly consistent lately. Save for his last outing against the Senators, in which he allowed four goals on 23 shots, Merzlikins had allowed exactly three goals in seven straight games. Typically that number wouldn’t be anything to celebrate, but considering Merzlikins has a 4.15 goals against average during the 2022-23 NHL campaign, it’s progress. The Latvian netminder has picked up points in three of his last five starts for Columbus.
What fantasy owners should do:
The Penguins have been better lately and Jarry has played a big role. Start him. But Merzlikins has only shown value in the saves category for fantasy owners. The Blue Jackets give up a lot of shots. I would sit him against Pittsburgh.
Bottom line for Tristan Jarry:
He has to stay healthy for the Penguins to make the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Bottom line for Elvis Merzlikins:
Baby steps. The past month has been a step in the right direction.