McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Jan. 10 – Jacob Markstrom vs. Jordan Binnington

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Tue. Jan. 10, 2023:

Why I like this matchup:

I love watching passionate goaltenders like Markstrom and Binnington. And Tuesday’s matchup is the first of a two-game set in St. Louis between the Flames and Blues. The teams are separated by just three points in the Western Conference and face off again on Thursday.

What to watch for:

Flames center Nazem Kadri versus Jordan Binnington. Not to take anything away from Jacob Markstrom, but sometimes the game within the game takes precedence. And I’m very curious to see how it shakes out.

Remember back in the 2021-22 Stanley Cup playoffs when Kadri – then a member of the Colorado Avalanche – collided with Binnington in the St. Louis crease? The impact ended Binnington’s season. But it wasn’t the end of the fracas: the Blues netminder chucked a water bottle at Kadri during the post-game press conference. Tonight they face each other for the first time since last spring.

Theatrics aside, Binnington has faced an incredibly high rate of scoring chances against this season. Markstrom is much the same with Calgary. So it’s been difficult to get a read on either netminder. They’ve both stolen victories and had frustrating outings.

Binnington has a knack for playing well when he makes a few big saves early in the game. And Markstrom has spent the 2022-23 NHL season trying to eliminate maddening goals at inopportune times. The Flames and Blues each need their respective No.1 goaltenders to play well down the stretch if they plan on making the postseason.

What fantasy owners should do:

Markstrom was pulled during Calgary’s last game. But before that, he hadn’t allowed more than three goals in a contest since Dec 16. I would start the Flames netminder. In Binnington’s last six games, he’s allowed four or more goals four times. I would hesitate to start him tonight.

Bottom line for Jacob Markstrom:

Be patient against the Blues’ young talent. St. Louis can move the puck quickly: dropping early is not advised.

Bottom line for Jordan Binnington:

Forget about Kadri and focus on the puck.