McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Mar. 2 – Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen vs. Jeremy Swayman
Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Thu. Mar. 2, 2023:
Why I like this matchup:
The Bruins are the best team in the NHL. They’re plenty fun to watch on their own, and Jeremy Swayman has won three straight games. But the Sabres are the biggest reason why I’ll be watching. Buffalo is on the cusp of making the Stanley Cup playoffs for what seems like the first time in forever. And Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen has authored most of the team’s wins.
What to watch for:
At 23 years old, Luukkonen is at the point in a goaltender’s career where he needs to stick his landing at the NHL level. He has 38 games to his credit and a career .900 save percentage. This season, Luukkonen has played 25 games and amassed a 15-8-2 record. But his win column doesn’t align with traditional or advanced statistics. Luukkonen has an .893 save percentage and is currently 70th in moneypuck.com’s goals saved above-average rankings.
I’ve seen Luukkonen dominate games this year. But it only seems to happen when the opposing team doesn’t lift the puck. Luukkonen seals the lower half of the net incredibly well. But he is vulnerable high, especially glove side. Luukkonen has allowed 21 goals in his last five starts yet he was able to win twice.
Usually, a 15-4-4 record and .916 save percentage would represent a very good year for any NHL goalkeeper. But for Swayman, it pales in comparison to what his goalie partner, Linus Ullmark, has accomplished.
Regardless, Swayman has been a key piece for the Bruins’ success so far. And in his past 14 starts, the Alaska native has only lost once in regulation. He’s currently 11th in goals saved above expected.
So can Swayman be better? Probably. He tends to get wide in his stance and struggles to move laterally at times. But he reads the play extremely well and his work ethic is a reason to believe in his future. Swayman’s studious approach to goaltending has been noted by past coaches.
What fantasy owners should do:
I wouldn’t feel comfortable starting Luukkonen against the Bruins, especially considering his recent play. And even Swayman would make me nervous against a high-powered Buffalo offense. But I would still start the Boston netminder.
Bottom line for Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen:
He’s been good enough to win. But Luukkonen needs to find a new level of consistency to become a true No.1 goaltender.
Bottom line for Jeremy Swayman:
He’s played well at times this season but largely taken a backseat to potential Vezina Trophy winner Ullmark. For Swayman, it’s about building towards an expanded role down the road. Whether that’s with Boston or another NHL team.