McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Oct. 17 – Alexandar Georgiev vs. Filip Gustavsson

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Mon. Oct. 17, 2022:

Why I like this matchup:

Tonight’s game features two goaltenders with a lot to prove at the NHL level. Georgiev is trying to earn the No.1 job in Colorado. While Gustavsson is looking to become an NHL regular after making the Wild out of training camp.

What to watch for:

The common thought process has been that Georgiev needs to play the bulk of games to show what he can do. But in my opinion, no goaltender should be given the net. A starting job needs to be earned. Georgiev had that chance with the New York Rangers. And now he has it again in Colorado. Georgiev is gifted athletically, but he hasn’t been consistent in his positioning. Or how he handles traffic.

Gustavsson faces a different challenge. He’s starting his first game of the regular season as a full-time NHL netminder. And the Wild have gotten shelled in their first two outings, allowing 14 goals combined against the Rangers and Los Angeles Kings. Gustavsson has always been a pretty strong technician. The question is if he can find the urgency and compete level needed to be successful in the NHL. In 28 NHL games, he has a career .903 save percentage.

What fantasy owners should do:

Georgiev is a bit of a question mark, but playing for the Avalanche should equal plenty of wins. Start him. But I’d leave Gustavsson on the fantasy bench. The Wild have been awful defensively so far this season, and tonight they face the reigning Stanley Cup champions in Colorado.

Bottom line for Alexandar Georgiev:

The first month of the season is really important for the backstop from Bulgaria. He needs to pile up wins in order to earn the Avalanche crease.

Bottom line for Filip Gustavsson:

Block out the noise and just play. A strong outing against the Avalanche – win or lose – would be a confidence boost.