McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Mar. 11 – Stuart Skinner vs. Matt Murray
Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Sat. Mar. 11, 2023:
Why I like this matchup:
Skinner is on a roll for Edmonton, while Murray will play his second game since returning from an extended injury-related absence. Saturday’s game features two Canadian teams with high expectations – and questions in the crease.
What to watch for:
Skinner’s puckhandling. And Murray’s patience. Both of which can be exploited.
It was a rough start for Skinner two nights ago against the Boston Bruins, but he recovered to earn his 19th victory of the season for Edmonton. A puckhandling gaffe – a repeated occurrence this season for the Edmonton-raised netminder – led to a goal against in the final seconds of the first period. And Skinner was also beaten clean to the five-hole by Bruins forward Brad Marchand early in the game. However, the key to Skinner’s success is his mental toughness and the consistency that comes with it. He’s won four straight matchups. And the rookie netminder has allowed three or less goals in his past seven starts. Skinner has a .913 save percentage in his first full NHL campaign.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are 64 games into the season and Matt Murray has only played 20 times. Raise your hand if you find that surprising. The unfortunate reality is that injuries continue to plague the Leafs netminder, with his latest setback taking the better part of six weeks to recover from. Despite health problems, Murray has played some quality hockey for Toronto, especially during the early going. But 2023 hasn’t been kind to the Leafs goaltender. In six appearances during the calendar year, Murray has a 2-3-0 record along with an .876 save percentage. Can Murray stay patient on his edges? Can he stay off the injured reserve? Toronto has relied heavily upon goaltender Ilya Samsonov this season. Having Murray back in the mix – and playing well – would be a boost for the Maple Leafs.
What fantasy owners should do:
Skinner has been a fantasy stallion this year, even if he hasn’t played as many games as some NHL goaltenders. Even against a powerful offensive team like Toronto, I would start him. But I don’t have the same rosy feelings about Murray. He hasn’t played since Mar. 4 and didn’t look great in that outing. Tonight he goes up against Oilers superstar Connor McDavid – a tall task for any goaltender. Much less one like Murray that’s still trying to find his way after constant injury trouble.
Bottom line for Stuart Skinner:
He’s started 36 games for Edmonton, but only three of those outings resulted in just one goal against. It’s time for a statement game.
Bottom line for Matt Murray:
With just 18 games remaining for Toronto, Murray has to outplay Samsonov by a wide margin if he wants to be the Maple Leafs starting goaltender during the Stanley Cup playoffs.