McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Nov. 10 – Anton Forsberg vs. Vitek Vanecek

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Thu. Nov. 10, 2022:

Why I like this matchup:

The Devils have been on fire (see what I did there?) and Vanecek has played a significant role. He’s won six straight games in goal for New Jersey. Forsberg got the hook last time out for the Senators – I want to see how he responds. Especially since Ottawa has dropped six games in a row.

What to watch for:

Which goaltender can play the cleanest game. I find Vanecek and Forsberg to be similar in many regards. Both spent plenty of time in the AHL before finally breaking through on the big stage. And both netminders play a reasonably technical, controlled game.

The difference, I think, is that Forsberg is slightly more dynamic than Vanecek. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. But it does allow Forsberg to occasionally make the save I don’t expect to see. Vanecek, to me, is a pretty steady goaltender that does most things well. But nothing exceptional.

That skillset for Vanecek fits the Devils well. Coming into the 2022-23 season, New Jersey needed stability in goal. And thus far, Vanecek has provided it. His .915 save percentage in eight games exceeds his career mark of .908.

Forsberg was able to cover up a lot of the problems in Ottawa last season, but lately, he’s been done in by some really poor play in front of him. Odd-man rushes have come in waves and Forsberg has had a tough time against them.

What fantasy owners should do:

The Devils are hot and Vanecek has been consistent. Start him. And as much as I like Forsberg, tonight isn’t the time to play him if you can avoid it.

Bottom line for Anton Forsberg:

No odd-man rush goals against. Zero. Shut it down.

Bottom line for Vitek Vanecek:

Despite Ottawa’s losing streak, they’ve been scoring. And Ottawa has the talent to zip the puck around in the offensive zone. Vanecek will need to be quick on his edges.