McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Feb. 20 – Linus Ullmark vs. Kevin Mandolese
![McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Feb. 20 – Linus Ullmark vs. Kevin Mandolese](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpublish.dailyfaceoff.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F01%2FUSATSI_19481089-scaled.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
![](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpublish.dailyfaceoff.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F01%2Fimage.png&w=1920&q=75)
Think you know sports? PointsBet Canada is live in Ontario!
_____
Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Mon. Feb. 20, 2023:
Why I like this matchup:
Ullmark has been unbelievable this year for the Bruins and has the inside track to taking home the Vezina Trophy. And Mandolese is looking to follow up an unbelievable 46-save shootout win for the Senators – in his first NHL start.
What to watch for:
Want the craziest stat of the year for Ullmark? He’s allowed three or more goals only since this season. And that was back on Nov. 1 in a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins when he allowed five. His consistency has been absolutely stunning. Ullmark has a .936 save percentage in 35 appearances. I’ve always liked his hands and reflexes. And Ullmark’s mechanics are stout. But he’s added a layer of patience to his game this season that’s paid dividends.
Mandolese’s first NHL game couldn’t have gone any better. He was a major factor during regulation against the New York Islanders and came up huge in the shootout – with his family in the stands. Now he faces an even bigger test: the NHL-leading Bruins. On top of that, it’s the second game in two nights for the Senators. Ottawa won 7-2 at home last night against the St. Louis Blues, then traveled to Boston. Mandolese is a big goalie that uses his size well. Can he bring the athleticism necessary to slow down a potent Bruins offense?
What fantasy owners should do:
Tonight is easy. Start Ullmark. And leave Mandolese on the bench – unless your team is desperate in the saves category.
Bottom line for Linus Ullmark:
Ottawa’s power play is lethal. If he can keep the Senators off the board with the man advantage, the Bruins should win this game.
Bottom line for Kevin Mandolese:
Just play. Ignore any outside noise. The only pressure that exists is what he puts on himself.