McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Nov. 4 – Craig Anderson vs. Antti Raanta
Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Fri. Nov. 4, 2022:
Why I like this matchup:
There’s nothing more satisfying for a former goalie like myself to see 41-year old Craig Anderson out there kicking in an NHL crease. Tonight is really all about him. Raanta is really good but there’s nothing flashy about his game.
What to watch for:
Old school meets new school. Anderson is one of the most feel-oriented goaltenders in the NHL. Years of experience puts his mind ahead of the play. His saves may not always look conventional by today’s standards, but that’s by design. Anderson has so many tools in the toolbox that his mere presence in the crease can be a mental hurdle for opponents. The 73rd overall pick in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft is 3-0-0 this year with a .946 save percentage.
I like Raanta and I think young goaltenders can learn a lot from watching him play. His footwork – while not explosive – is better than most people realize. Raanta’s foundation is built on arriving early and getting square. His stance is fairly upright, which lets the 33-year old from Finland effectively fill the upper portion of the net despite only standing six feet tall. Among goaltenders that have played 50 or more NHL games, Raanta ranks ninth all-time with a .919 save percentage in 229 appearances.
What fantasy owners should do:
Start both Anderson and Raanta. The Sabres have been a pleasant surprise and the Hurricanes keep chugging along near the top of the Metropolitan Division standings. Both goalies have fared well so far this year.
Bottom line for Craig Anderson:
If there’s any knock on the Canes, it’s that they’ve struggled to score this season. Especially during the first period on home ice. But they have been better in the second period. A strong middle frame is important for Anderson and the Sabres.
Bottom line for Antti Raanta:
Study up on Sabres forward Tage Thompson: he’s scored five times in his last three games.