McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Feb. 7 – Logan Thompson vs. Juuse Saros

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Tue. Feb. 7, 2023:

Why I like this matchup:

Thompson and Saros both gained a tan over the weekend at the NHL All-Star game in Florida. And now they face each other in regular-season action.

What to watch for:

Two goalies that are stylistically polar opposite of one another. Thompson loves to play low and wide, while Saros is more upright and compact. It’s an interesting comparison because Saros presents really big in the net for someone that stands only 5-foot-11. While Thompson’s size (he’s 6-foot-4) is more noticeable when reaching or sliding into saves.

What the Golden Knights and Predators netminders have in common is explosiveness. Saros is one of the NHL’s best goalie skaters. He routinely beats passes on his edges, which aids in his puck tracking. Thompson, on the other hand, loves to slide. And that’s partly due to necessity stemming from his natural width. But quickness is noticeable with each goaltender.

Thompson only has one win in his past seven starts for Vegas. But he was outstanding in his last two outings: a pair of overtime losses to the New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders. Saros comes into tonight’s matchup having won three straight games. The Predators’ netminder has been one of the busiest in the NHL: Saros rarely faces less than 30 shots.

What fantasy owners should do:

Wins have been tough to come by for Thompson’s fantasy owners. And it’s been a mixed bag for saves. Nashville is hard to predict: I’d take a long look at sitting Thompson if a better option exists. Saros has been a strong performer all season, although there have been some hiccups of late. Regardless, I’d start Saros.

Bottom line for Logan Thompson:

His body language has been concerning at times. That needs to change.

Bottom line for Juuse Saros:

Nashville’s chance at making the Stanley Cup playoffs falls squarely on his shoulders.