McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Oct. 29 – Igor Shesterkin vs. Jake Oettinger

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Sat. Oct. 29, 2022:

Why I like this matchup:

Oettinger has been arguably the best goaltender in the NHL this season. And tonight, the Stars netminder has a chance to beat last year’s Vezina Trophy winner (Shesterkin) head-to-head in Texas.

What to watch for:

Both goalies play a similar style rooted in skating efficiency. Oettinger is the bigger of the two goalies – he’s four inches taller than Shesterkin – but it’s hard to notice it with how upright they play. Both love to stay vertical and balanced on their edges until a shot is imminent. It’s why these two goalies are so mobile. Both are able to shuffle laterally in small increments in order to stay on angle.

From there, play differs slightly. Oettinger, due to his sheer size, can play longer than Shesterkin. The Stars goalie can reach a surprising number of pucks with his legs. While Shesterkin doesn’t have the same range as Oettinger, I think he tracks the puck slightly better. Because Shesterkin is so mobile, he usually arrives early. That lets him read the play as well as anyone.

Tonight’s game is a great opportunity for youth goalies to watch and learn. Pay particular attention to the footwork of each goalie. And how Oettinger and Shesterkin almost always have their knees underneath their torsos.

What fantasy owners should do:

Start both goalies. Every game. Every night.

Bottom line for Igor Shesterkin:

He’s lost in overtime twice in a row. And his 2.57 goals against average is rather pedestrian. It’s time for a big performance.

Bottom line for Jake Oettinger:

This is the type of game true competitors crave. A win against Shesterkin and a potent offensive team like the Rangers would be an ego boost.