McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Oct. 23 – James Reimer vs. Felix Sandstrom
Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Sun. Oct. 23, 2022:
Why I like this matchup:
Reimer owns the only victory this season for the Sharks. San Jose is desperate. And Sandstrom is searching for his first NHL victory. The Philadelphia Flyers goaltender is winless in six NHL appearances.
What to watch for:
Tonight’s game might not be the sexiest matchup on paper, but I think there’s plenty of drama. Philly played – and won – last night in Nashville against the Predators. The Sharks dropped yesterday’s matchup with the New Jersey Devils 2-1. So energy levels could play a factor.
But Sandstrom and Reimer are both fresh. Neither played yesterday. And I like this matchup from a motivation standpoint. Reimer owns a .912 save percentage in 52 games since coming to San Jose at the start of the 2021-22 season. He’s not the flashiest goaltender but he routinely posts a winning record, even on lesser teams. Reimer knows his team needs a big performance in goal to have a chance at winning.
Sandstrom is in his fourth season of North American hockey. Since making his pro debut in 2018, Sandstrom has posted a .904 save percentage in 57 AHL games. The numbers aren’t striking, but Lehigh Valley (Philadelphia’s AHL affiliate) hasn’t been very strong in front of him. I thought he showed well in the five games he played with the Flyers last season, despite a record of 0-4-1.
What fantasy owners should do:
The Flyers are 4-1-0 this season, but the team’s only loss came with Sandstrom in net. Even so, I think he’s due to get his first win. The Sharks are reeling. I don’t expect a blowout game because of the quick turnaround from yesterday’s games for both teams. So I’d start Reimer if your team needs the saves. But I’m not confident that the Sharks will pick up a road win.
Bottom line for James Reimer:
Allow two or fewer goals and the Sharks have a chance to win.
Bottom line for Felix Sandstrom:
Find one extra save.