McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Nov. 7 – Jacob Markstrom vs. Ilya Sorokin

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Mon. Nov. 7, 2022:

Why I like this matchup:

Sorokin is riding a hot streak – he’s won four straight for the Islanders. Markstrom, on the other hand, is winless in his last three. Both are top goaltenders in the NHL. But Sorokin is having a better year.

What to watch for:

Sorokin has been incredibly consistent. And I think a large part of that comes from how well-oiled his crease movements are. Sorokin’s skating routes are efficient because he rotates early and arrives at the proper angle, giving the Russian netminder time to read the puck off the blade. For as good as his mechanics are, I think his puck tracking is underrated. The Islanders’ backstop has started eight games this season and only allowed more than two goals twice.

I can’t help but wonder if mental fatigue is settling into the Calgary locker room. Darryl Sutter is as demanding of a head coach as you’ll find. The Flames haven’t been awful lately but something is missing. And I think Markstrom’s game mirrors that assessment. I don’t see anything wrong structurally, but lately, there’s been one extra goal against per game that should have been stopped.

What fantasy owners should do:

Sorokin is a lock to start every game for fantasy owners. And even with Markstrom having a tough go lately, I’d start him against the Islanders.

Bottom line for Jacob Markstrom:

Ten goals against in his last three games isn’t acceptable from Markstrom. He could use a big game to get back to his winning ways.

Bottom line for Ilya Sorokin:

Shut down Flames center Nazem Kadri. He’s been Calgary’s best player.