McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Jan. 28 – Anton Forsberg vs. Samuel Montembeault

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Sat. Jan. 28, 2023:

Why I like this matchup:

The chaos factor of watching a pair of underrated goalies playing on bad teams. And it’s the Senators against the Canadiens – who doesn’t love that matchup?

What to watch for:

Montembeault has really taken strides this year in net for the Canadiens, to the point that he should be considered as a long-term solution. I’m not saying he’s the next Carey Price, but his upward trajectory – on a defensively challenged team – is noteworthy. And at a $1 million cap hit through the 2023-24 season, he’s a value.

Montembeault has played as well as his veteran goalie partner, Jake Allen, and given head coach Martin St. Louis a formidable tandem. His .910 save percentage is above NHL league average. But his moneypuck.com goals saved above average ranking is a head-turner: Montembeault ranks 9th among NHL goaltenders with a +12.8 rating. I like his game sense and compete level. And Montembeault’s structure continues to improve.

Forsberg has had a tough ride lately, including a span where he allowed 18 goals on 97 shots over the course of four games in January. But for most of the current season, Forsberg has been largely dependable in goal for the Senators. He ranks 16th in goals saved above expected despite a .903 save percentage. 

Forsberg is a great skater and natural puck-stopper. But confidence and consistency were the areas of his game that needed to be addressed. I think that happened last for him last year for the Sens. At some point I’d love to see what Forsberg could do behind a strong team. He’s been stuck punching above his weight on bad clubs for a while now.

What fantasy owners should do:

As much as I like both netminders, this game is ripe for a high score. I wouldn’t start either Montembeault or Forsberg if your fantasy team has a different option.

Bottom line for Anton Forsberg:

He was outstanding last night against the Maple Leafs, when he stopped 31 of 33 shots and earned the win. Tonight he’s playing back-to-back games for the Sens. He’ll have to manage his energy.

Bottom line for Samuel Montembeault:

With Ottawa so good on the rush, and having some deceptive forwards, he’ll need to be as patient as possible.