McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: April 27 – Scott Wedgewood vs. Harri Sateri

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Wed. April 27, 2022:

Why I like this matchup:

If the Dallas Stars can earn at least one point, they clinch a spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Adding to the intrigue, Scott Wedgewood starts against his former team, the Arizona Coyotes.

What to watch for:

To see if Wedgewood can shut down his former teammates. And if Harri Sateri can have his first quality start since coming back to the NHL in early April.

I can’t help but admire Wedgewood’s moxy. He’s been grinding in pro hockey for almost a decade and seems to have finally solidified a position among the top 64 goaltenders in the world. Just four years ago, Wedgewood was backing up Cal Petersen in the AHL’s Calder Cup playoffs.

Wedgewood’s game can be chaotic at times, but his results this season cannot be denied. He posted a .911 save percentage in 26 games for the Arizona Coyotes before being acquired by the Dallas Stars at the trade deadline. Since coming to ‘The Big D,’ Wedgewood has gone 3-1-2 with a .917 save percentage. He’s earned critical points for the Stars.

At the other end of the ice, Harri Sateri’s return to the NHL has not gone well. In three starts for the Coyotes, he’s allowed 17 goals against and lost all three games. He has an .822 save percentage overall in four appearances.

The Coyotes are the fourth NHL organization for Sateri. His last NHL action came in 2017-18 with the Florida Panthers. In nine games that season, Sateri posted a 4-4-0 record to go with a .911 save percentage.

What fantasy owners should do:

Both teams played last night, but Dallas didn’t have to travel. I would start Wedgewood. Sateri has struggled mightily. Leave him on the fantasy bench.

Bottom line for Scott Wedgewood:

Get it done. The Stars need at least one point.

Bottom line for Harri Sateri:

This might be his last chance at an NHL career. He needs a strong game.