McKenna Match of the Day: December 13 – Charlie Lindgren vs. Petr Mrazek

Former NHL goaltender Mike McKenna gives his Daily face-to-face Start of the goalkeeper match of the day for Tuesday. December 13, 2022:

Why I love this game:

Lindgren has won four straight for the Capitals and has them back in contention for the Stanley Cup playoffs. Can he do five in a row?

To monitor :

In the offseason, the Capitals raised eyebrows when they signed Lindgren to a three-year, one-way deal after he had played just five NHL games the previous season with the St. Louis Blues. . So far, the bet has paid off. Lindgren is 6-3-2 and he carried the mail with injured No. 1 goaltender Darcy Kuemper. I was really impressed with the balance that ‘Chucky Sideburns’ played with. At 28 and with plenty of professional experience under his belt, I think Lindgren was fully prepared for the moment.

Mrazek is back from his second injury of the season. Can he finish the game? This question may seem morbid, but given Mrazek’s history of ailments, I think it’s worth asking. If he is able to play the full 60, can Mrazek improve after a lackluster start to the season? He allowed more than four goals per game on average and won only twice in nine starts. Granted, the Blackhawks aren’t very good. But Mrazek still has the same technical issues that have plagued him for years. Watch his feet to see if they are level with the shooter: he often plays with one well in front of the other, which causes an imbalance.

What fantasy owners should do:

Leave Mrazek on the bench. The Blackhawks have struggled and Mrazek is a wild card. I would start Lindgren. And be thankful my team got him back. Lindgren was one of the best value players in this season’s fantasy draft.

Conclusion for Charlie Lindgren:

Keep rolling.

Conclusion for Petr Mrazek:

Complete the game.