McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Mar. 25 – Sergei Bobrovsky vs. Mads Sogaard

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Mon. Mar. 27, 2023:

Why I like this matchup:

Bobrovsky and the Panthers are desperate to make the Stanley Cup playoffs. And Sogaard has posted two impressive performances in a row against the Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning

What to watch for:

Can Bobrovsky carry Florida into the postseason? He owns a 6-3-1 record in his past 10 games, but the Panthers goalie allowed nine goals in his past two starts and lost both. Florida is three points behind the Pittsburgh Penguins in the eastern conference wild-card race, with nine games left for each team. Bobrovsky has had several very effective stretches this season, but his play is a microcosm of the team in front of him. The Panthers have struggled defensively at times. And I think Bobrovsky’s active style can get him in trouble behind a porous defense. When Bob is at his best, pucks don’t go through him.

I’ve been impressed with how Sogaard was able to bounce back from a really difficult stretch in March. The Senators’ rookie netminder allowed at least four goals in five consecutive games. But in his last two games, Sogaard has allowed just two goals. No small feat against the Bruins and Lightning. It’s been a tumultuous start to Sogaard’s NHL career, but his .890 save percentage in 14 games shouldn’t be viewed as a predictor of things to come. I think he’s at least a year away from full-time duty in Ottawa. But Sogaard is learning on the job and gaining valuable experience.

What fantasy owners should do:

Bob is due for a bounce-back game, and even though the Senators have plenty of firepower, but gut says he turns in a solid performance for fantasy owners. I don’t have the same rosy feelings about Sogaard, but there are only six games on the NHL slate this evening. Senators goalies typically face over 30 shots, so if the save column is big for your team, consider Sogaard.

Bottom line for Sergei Bobrovsky:

With the Panthers teetering on the edge of missing the postseason, there’s not much room for error.

Bottom line for Mads Sogaard:

At this stage of his young NHL career, improvement is what matters most. Wins are secondary.