McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Oct. 18 – Eric Comrie vs. Stuart Skinner
Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Tue. Oct. 18, 2022:
Why I like this matchup:
Skinner starts his first game of the regular season for the Oilers, while Comrie makes his second straight appearance in goal for the Sabres. Both goaltenders are on an upward career trajectory.
What to watch for:
The Sabres signed Comrie to a two-year pact in the offseason with intentions of him eventually taking over the crease in Buffalo. His traditional and underlying numbers last season with the Winnipeg Jets were both stellar. Comrie has been riding the goalie carousel around the NHL the past few seasons but he’s finally found some stability with the Sabres.
He’s not the biggest goaltender, but Comrie is very disciplined in his movements and reads the play well. Playing for Buffalo, I’m not sure he can post another .920 save percentage like he did last season with the Jets. But Comrie could surprise this year.
For Skinner, the jump to being a full-time NHL goaltender has been several years in the making. He spent parts of four seasons in the minor leagues, shuttling between the ECHL and AHL before playing 13 games for his hometown Oilers during the 2021-22 season.
Skinner was one of the best AHL goaltenders over the previous two years. His teammates raved about his positive attitude and work ethic. There were times last season when I thought Skinner was the best option in goal for the Oilers. I like his mechanics. And I also like that Skinner has improved every season of his pro career.
I think he’s going to play a bigger role than people realize in Edmonton this year. On Saturday night against the Flames, Skinner played 49 minutes of shutout hockey in a relief effort, stopping all 31 shots faced.
What fantasy owners should do:
Skinner has the potential to be a late-round or free-agent steal for fantasy owners. With him in net for a good team like the Oilers, I’d play him regularly. Even if Edmonton has trouble defending, they’re going to win games. As for Comrie, I really like him as a goaltender. But it’s going to be tough sledding in Buffalo, especially against top teams. I’d leave him on the bench tonight.
Bottom line for Eric Comrie:
Pay close attention to the Oilers’ power play during pre-scout. They love to use the bumper as a pass option, not just shot. It’s a unique look and it’s already caught several goalies out this season.
Bottom line for Stuart Skinner:
Buffalo may be a young team but they have some snipers. Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch, and Jeff Skinner can all fire the puck in stride.. Be ready.