McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Apr. 15 – Carey Price vs. Semyon Varlamov

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Fri. Apr 15., 2022:

Why I like this matchup:

After a prolonged rehabilitation from knee surgery, and a stint in the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program, Carey Price is playing his first NHL game since July 7th, 2021.

What to watch for:

No disrespect to New York Islanders goaltender Semyon Varlamov, but all eyes are on Carey Price tonight. The Montreal netminder led his team to the Stanley Cup Final last season, where the Canadiens fell in five games to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Price was outstanding in the postseason, posting a .924 save percentage and 2.28 goals against average.

Ever since his arrival in the NHL, Price has been viewed as a near-perfect technician. He’s the goaltender many coaches used as an example when teaching the next generation. Price plays a calm positional game based on years of training. His skating routes are consistent and he rarely has to reach for pucks.

After such a long layoff for Price, there are a few things to keep an eye on. Does he look sluggish? Is he hitting his marks early? Are his post-integrations clean and efficient? Is his puck tracking up to speed?

Price has been recovering for months, skating on and off since December. Playing a few games down the stretch under a new coach in Marty St. Louis is as much a litmus test for Price’s knee as it is for him mentally. He needs to know where his body is at – and if still enjoys playing. A lot has changed in Montreal since Carey Price last suited up for the Habs.

What fantasy owners should do:

Varlamov was tagged for six goals the last time out against the St. Louis Blues, but he’s been a steady statistical performer in every category apart from wins. Montreal has been feast or famine under Marty St. Louis, but I’d still start Varlamov in this matchup. As for Price, maybe tonight will be magic and he’ll post a gem in his return. The Isles aren’t the most offensive team. If your team has kept him on the roster all season, you might as well play him.

Bottom line for Carey Price:

Treat tonight like a preseason game. Get the feel back and have some fun. There is no pressure.

Bottom line for Semyon Varlamov:

Finish the season strong. His nine wins this year in 26 starts belies Varlamov’s .914 save percentage. Varlamov could use a few wins to finish out on a high note.