McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Mar. 29 – Alexandar Georgiev vs. Filip Gustavsson

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Wed. Mar. 29, 2023:

Why I like this matchup:

Georgiev is absolutely vibing in the crease for Colorado and Gustavsson is in a heated battle for the Minnesota net. The two goalies have been among the best in the NHL this season.

What to watch for:

I’ve been nervous about Georgiev all season, largely due to his streakiness and past problems as a member of the New York Rangers. There’s no telling what will happen during the Stanley Cup playoffs. But I do think if anything, Georgiev has shown an ability to steal the occasional game. And he’s given the Avalanche increasingly consistent goaltending as the 2022-23 season has progressed. Georgiev has won seven of his past eight games. And in four of those outings he’s allowed one goal or less. Georgiev has a natural athleticism many covet. Even when his movements are precise, Georgiev has an entertaining amount of flair to his game. He owns a .919 save percentage and has 34 wins in 54 starts.

Gustavsson has a similar winning percentage to Georgiev, although on a smaller scale. With Minnesota goalie partner Marc-Andre Fleury also worthy of playing time, the Wild crease has been shared. But this season might be the perfect step for Gustavsson. It’s his first full-time year in the NHL, and he’s killed it. Very few – myself included – expected anything close to the .932 save percentage Gustavsson has in 34 games. He’s won 19 times and owns a 2.01 goals-against average. Gustavsson plays a very patient, modern brand of goaltending. And I think that’s reflected in his consistency. A total of 23 times this season, Gustavsson has allowed two goals or less.

What fantasy owners should do:

This is the type of game where you have to trust the stats. Both goalies have had an excellent season so far and their teams are hot. Start them both and hope for a close game.

Bottom line for Alexandar Georgiev:

The rest test begins in a few weeks. This will be the first Stanley Cup playoffs, where Georgiev will be the unchallenged No.1 netminder for his club.

Bottom line for Filip Gustavsson:

Gustavsson is playing against the Avalanche for the first time in his career. With the Stanley Cup playoffs beginning in less than a month, what better time for a statement game?