McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Nov. 23 – Matt Murray vs. Vitek Vanecek

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Wed. Nov. 23, 2022:

Why I like this matchup:

I want to find out if Vanecek can win ten games in a row for the Devils. And I want to see how Murray fares going up against a top offensive team like New Jersey.

What to watch for:

The narrative for New Jersey going into this season was that they just needed goaltending to become a winner. And that’s partly true. Vanecek has been excellent. But he’s also playing in an insulated environment. The Devils are giving up an NHL-lowest 25 shots per game. Vanecek is rarely out of position and doesn’t need to be flashy to be successful.

Murray has missed significant time already this season – a common theme of his career. But since returning from injury on Nov. 15, he’s won twice and gotten points in all three games played. I think Murray has to find a way to loosen up his hands and start reacting rather than blocking. But for the first time in a while, it looks like he’s having fun. He’ll have his hands full against a mega-talented and speedy Devils squad.

What fantasy owners should do:

Vanecek has allowed two or less goals in seven of 10 starts. Play him. Murray, I wouldn’t be as confident. New Jersey has been clobbering opponents. Start Murray at your own risk.

Bottom line for Matt Murray:

Time to prove he owns the net in Toronto.

Bottom line for Vitek Vanecek:

Keep winning and silence the doubters.