McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: April 28 – Linus Ullmark vs. Dustin Tokarski

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Thu. April 28, 2022:

Why I like this matchup:

With the Stanley Cup playoffs less than a week away, Linus Ullmark is in a heated – yet friendly – battle for the net with his Boston Bruins goalie partner Jeremy Swayman. And Buffalo Sabres netminder Dustin Tokarski is auditioning for another NHL season.

What to watch for:

I’m really intrigued with this game, mostly because I think Ullmark really has a shot at starting for the Bruins in the Stanley Cup playoffs. He’s been consistent all season, posting a .914 save percentage and piling up 25 wins in 38 starts. In the last 10 Boston games where Ullmark was the goalie of record, he hasn’t allowed more than three goals against.

What I like about Ullmark’s game is how active his hands are. His technical base is strong, but he can also think outside the box when necessary. The only knock on Ullmark is that he has a tendency to get over-aggressive with his depth during stressful situations, which leads to him chasing the game.

I can’t help but admire the career of Sabres goaltender Dustin Tokarski. In his 12th season of professional hockey, he’s played a personal-best 27 games in the NHL. Twice a Calder Cup winner in the AHL, Tokarski has seen his contractual status fluctuate in recent years. He’s played on AHL-only deals along with NHL two-ways. Yet he keeps grinding.

He has a .901 save percentage this season – which closely mirrors his career mark of .903. He’s a small goaltender by today’s standards, standing six feet tall. Fun fact on Tokarski: he hates new equipment. His sticks often fall apart before they break. Old school.

What fantasy owners should do:

Start Ullmark. He’s been good in all categories. Especially wins. Tokarski has allowed three goals or more in his last five games, despite winning three times. The Sabres have been better lately but they’re hard to predict. I would leave Tokarski on the bench if your team has a better option.

Bottom line for Linus Ullmark:

It’s a great opportunity to put his stamp on a solid first season in Boston.

Bottom line for Dustin Tokarski:

Finish the season with a strong game and show the hockey world he still deserves to be in the NHL.