McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Apr. 2 – Jack Campbell vs. Carter Hart
Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Sat. April 2, 2022:
Why I like this matchup:
Jack Campbell returns to the Toronto Maple Leafs crease, while Carter Hart looks to rebound after two straight losses in which he allowed 10 goals combined.
What to watch for:
With all due respect to Hart – one of the best young goaltenders in hockey – tonight is all about Jack Campbell. Toronto is a winning team. The Maple Leafs are a lock to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. But goaltending continues to be a huge question mark.
Campbell started the season on fire, leading the NHL in most statistical categories. But since Jan. 1, the Toronto netminder has struggled. His .882 save percentage and 3.63 goals against average since the beginning of the new year has caused serious concern. And goalie partner Petr Mrazek – who is injured once again – hasn’t been any better.
Tonight is Campbell’s first game action since Mar. 8, when he was sidelined after the game with a rib injury. That type of ailment isn’t easy for a goaltender to play through. Rib injuries are painful. I’m watching tonight to see Campbell’s comfort level. How he moves. How he handles the puck outside the net.
It’s just one game, but if Campbell plays well, it would do a lot for his confidence. And it would also help quiet the voices that can be deafening in Toronto.
What fantasy owners should do:
Both goaltenders should make fantasy owners nervous. Hart has a 13-21-7 record this season but has posted a .909 save percentage. But Toronto is incredibly dangerous offensively. Hart could help fantasy owners in the win column. Campbell hasn’t had many strong games in the past three months. And he’s coming off injury. I would avoid starting either goaltender if your team has a better option in net.
Bottom line for Jack Campbell:
Find a rhythm early and drown out the outside noise.
Bottom line for Carter Hart:
He’ll need to find the puck through traffic and keep his hands alive – especially against Maple Leafs sniper Auston Matthews.