McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Nov. 5 – Carter Hart vs. Cam Talbot

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Sat. Nov. 5, 2022:

Why I like this matchup:

After missing the first month of the 2022-23 season due to a fractured rib, Cam Talbot makes his first start as a member of the Ottawa Senators. And Carter Hart has been on fire.

What to watch for:

Talbot got his first taste of game action on Friday against the Golden Knights. He stopped all 13 shots he faced in a relief performance and looked plenty comfortable doing so. I’m always intrigued to see how a goalie handles traffic at the start of the season. And that’s something to keep an eye on with Talbot. He’s a big, rangy, experienced goaltender that reads the play well.

At the other end of the ice is Hart, who for my money has been the best goaltender in the NHL so far this season. The 24-year old is playing loose and posting ridiculous numbers. Hart has yet to lose in regulation and owns a 5-0-2 record to go with a .943 save percentage. He’s the only reason the Flyers are currently fifth in the Metropolitan Division. Hart has always had the technical prowess necessary to be a star. But I think his composure has been second-to-none this season.

What fantasy owners should do:

Hart has been on such a roll it would be silly not to play him. But I’d be nervous if he was one of my team’s fantasy goalies. Philadelphia has been so poor defensively that he’s due a blow up game. He’s facing more than 37 shots per game on average. Ottawa has lost four straight – I’d leave Talbot on the bench unless your team needs a goalie start.

Bottom line for Carter Hart:

Keep an eye out for Claude Giroux and his wobbly dump-ins.

Bottom line for Cam Talbot:

First game back is about getting reps and finding a rhythm. But the Sens need a win. Go earn one.