McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Oct. 12 – Linus Ullmark vs. Darcy Kuemper

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Wed. Oct. 12, 2022:

Why I like this matchup:

Kuemper is the reigning Stanley Cup champion but he’s found a new home in America’s capital. And Ullmark, at 29 years old, is still fighting to become a true no. 1 goaltender in the NHL.

What to watch for:

I think Kuemper got something of a bum rap last year with Colorado. There’s no arguing his season started slowly, but for the last two-thirds of the year, Kuemper was fantastic. And despite an eye injury during the Stanley Cup playoffs, he battled through and became a champion. Can Kuemper adapt quickly to his third team in three seasons? Keep an eye on his puckhandles outside the crease. And how Kuemper fares on the penalty kill. Both are great indicators of a goaltender’s comfort level.

Ullmark opens the season in the Bruins crease, but how long he remains there is the question. Last season saw the Swedish netminder split time with rookie Jeremy Swayman. And while both turned in quality years, a frontrunner failed to emerge. Ullmark is a steady NHL goaltender. But he needs to take another step if he wants to own the crease in Beantown. Ullmark has active hands and is sound structurally. I’m curious if he stays a little closer to home this season. He tends to get caught drifting away from the goal crease.

What fantasy owners should do:

Unless the Capitals start losing games, Kuemper is a safe bet in goal each night he plays. Ullmark is similar: Boston has been historically strong and he has a good chance of recording wins. But shots on goal are a wildcard statistic under new Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery. Regardless, fantasy owners should almost always look to start Ullmark.

Bottom line for Linus Ullmark:

He’s been a good NHL goalie for a while. It’s time to become great.

Bottom line for Darcy Kuemper:

Start the season on a positive note and prove the doubters wrong.