McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Feb. 1 – Linus Ullmark vs. Ilya Samsonov
Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Wed. Feb. 1, 2023:
Why I like this matchup:
Ullmark has lost two games in a row for the first time all season. I want to see how he rebounds. And aside from a six-goal blowup against Ottawa less than a week ago, Samsonov has been solid in net for Toronto. How does he fare against Boston, the NHL’s best team?
What to watch for:
It’s not like Ullmark was bad in his past two outings. He allowed three goals in both games but faced a combined 70 shots. His consistency this season has been remarkable. Just once Ullmark has allowed more than three goals. And that was way back on Nov. 1 against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Ullmark’s progression to being the NHL frontrunner for the Vezina Trophy this year has been fun to watch. He was undervalued in Buffalo. And last season he probably tried to do too much for the Bruins. But this year he looks completely at home in the crease, letting the play come to him. Ullmark has a .936 save percentage and owns a 25-4-1 record on the campaign.
There have been games where Samsonov didn’t have to do much for the Maple Leafs. But I’ve always seen him pull off some mega performances when Toronto wasn’t at their best defensively. Samsonov isn’t the best technical goaltender, but he plays with a ton of swagger when he’s confident. And I think being on a dynamo offensive team like Toronto helps him.
Samsonov has outplayed goalie partner Matt Murray so far and in my eyes, has the inside edge at starting Game 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs for the Maple Leafs. But a lot remains to be seen. Sometimes, I think Samsonov loses his patience and drops early. And he slides more than I’d like to see. But his natural ability can bail him out.
What fantasy owners should do:
Start ‘em both. Although Samsonov is the riskier of the two netminders.
Bottom line for Linus Ullmark:
Break the streak and go into the NHL All-Star break reenergized.
Bottom line for Ilya Samsonov:
Every game is a step towards permanently claiming the crease in Toronto.