McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Mar. 23 – Logan Thompson vs. Jacob Markstrom
Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Thu. Mar. 23, 2023:
Why I like this matchup:
It’s been almost six weeks since Logan Thompson played an NHL game, and in that time frame, the Golden Knights acquired two-time Stanley Cup winner Jonathan Quick. He’s gone 5-1-0 since coming to the VGK at the trade deadline. The Golden Knights have four goalies on one-way NHL contracts. Thompson was the clear-cut No.1 and represented Vegas in the NHL All-Star game before getting hurt. Can he come back from injury and retake the starting job in the Golden Knights crowded crease?
What to watch for:
Thompson will feel the heat with Quick in the fold and a healthy Laurent Brossoit. With only 11 regular season games left, the Golden Knights must figure out the goalie situation. Fast. Thompson is aggressive by nature. Will he be able to stay calm and play in control? I think it’s a fair question to ask. I could easily see him pressing and trying too hard in his return. A low-event game would be the best thing for Thompson coming off such a long layoff due to injury.
Markstrom’s Achilles heel has been early goals, and Vegas is one of the best teams in the NHL when they score first. So it’s paramount for Markstrom to keep the Golden Knights off the scoreboard as long as possible. There’s nothing left to lose for Calgary. They’re outside the Stanley Cup playoffs by four points and desperately need wins. Markstrom was anointed the team’s No.1 by head coach Darryl Sutter not long ago: now it’s time to lead the way. I think he’s gotten more flak than he deserves this year, but there’s no denying the recent results haven’t been good enough.
What fantasy owners should do:
There’s no way Markstrom allows another six-spot. I mean, it could happen, but what are the chances? Vegas is rolling and I think they win tonight. The question is how many goals they score. I wouldn’t feel great about starting Markstrom. And Thompson is a total wildcard coming back from injury. With 11 other games on the NHL schedule, it might be smart to look elsewhere.
Bottom line for Logan Thompson:
The No.1 job is still probably his to lose. But the leash is incredibly short.
Bottom line for Jacob Markstrom:
After pulling the Flames back into the Stanley Cup playoff fight, Markstrom has allowed 12 goals in his past two starts. The postseason is looking like a longshot unless he plays lights out in the remaining 10 games for Calgary.