McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Nov. 2 – Felix Sandstrom vs. Ilya Samsonov

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Wed. Nov. 2, 2022:

Why I like this matchup:

There is a huge amount of pressure on the Maple Leafs – and Samsonov – to win on home ice after dropping four straight games. All while Sandstrom goes for his first NHL win in eight tries. There’s no shortage of drama leading into tonight’s matchup.

What to watch for:

Toronto has only won games this season with Samsonov in net. He’s gone 4-2-0 and sports a .920 save percentage. I thought Samsonov’s start to the season was exceptional. He looked crisp and under control in the Maple Leafs crease. But I’ve seen a few of his old habits – feet not set, chasing the play – creep in during his past two outings. Samsonov is at his best when he’s mentally engaged and patient.

Despite a .907 career save percentage in seven NHL appearances, Sandstrom is still searching for his first victory. The hard part for Sandstrom is that Flyers head coach John Tortorella has only played him in the second game of back-to-back sets. That’s a challenge for any goaltender. The Swedish netminder has good fundamentals. But he also has a nasty habit of staying down on his knees for too long, leaving portions of the net exposed. 

What fantasy owners should do:

Despite all the craziness surrounding this game, I think Samsonov is a safe bet from a fantasy standpoint. He’s only had one game with less than a .900 save percentage so far this season. And he’s won often. Sandstrom would be a huge gamble. The Flyers have been extremely porous defensively this season. I’d leave him on the fantasy bench.

Bottom line for Ilya Samsonov:

Tonight will only feel like a high-stakes matchup if Samsonov lets it. He has to block out the noise and play a simple game.

Bottom line for Felix Sandstrom:

Toronto will make him look silly if he’s too passive. Sandstrom has to get to his edges quickly against a sniper like Auston Matthews. Sandstrom need to be good early. And often.