McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Mar. 9 – Ilya Samsonov vs. Mikko Koskinen
Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Tue. Mar. 9, 2022:
Why I like this matchup:
Both the Washington Capitals and Edmonton Oilers have reportedly scoured the trade market for an upgrade in goal. Neither team has been able to make it happen. Both Ilya Samsonov and Mikko Koskinen are battling to find the consistency necessary for success in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They have something to prove.
What to watch for:
Koskinen had been on something of a roll before dropping his past two starts. His 3.05 goals against average is a big reason why the Oilers have been searching for a goaltender. Koskinen and the Oilers have allowed the first goal of the game far too often this season.
Through my eyes, the 6-foot-7 Finnish netminder plays small for his size, often defaulting to post integrations with his knees on the ice. It would behoove him to stay on his edges as much as possible.
In his last start on Feb. 28 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Samsonov allowed three goals on 10 shots in the first period and was pulled by Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette. Samsonov also dropped his previous two starts against the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers.
I think he needs to simplify his game by staying in the blue paint and allowing the play to come to him. Once Samsonov’s knees hit the ice, he sometimes over-slides to his next destination. It’s crunch time for the 22nd overall draft choice in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. He’s 25 years old and has yet to become a true starting goalie.
What fantasy owners should do:
I don’t like either goaltender in tonight’s matchup for fantasy owners. Both Samsonov and Koskinen have been difficult to predict. And neither team gives up many shots. I’d leave them both on the bench. But Koskinen has gone 4-1-1 in his last six starts.
Bottom line for Ilya Samsonov:
Stay close to home. Oilers forwards Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl can snap the puck around as fast as any tandem in the NHL – especially on the power play. An aggressive depth is not advised.
Bottom line for Mikko Koskinen:
Get his feet set early, be square and track the puck. Capitals left winger Alex Ovechkin feasts on goaltenders that aren’t crisp with their movements, and defenseman John Carlson isn’t far behind in that category.