McKenna Match of the Day: Feb. 13 – Jacob Markstrom vs. Mads Sogaard

Former NHL goaltender Mike McKenna gives his Daily face-to-face Start of the goalkeeper match of the day for Monday. February 13, 2023:

Why I love this game:

Markstrom was solid Saturday against the Buffalo Sabers, allowing two goals on 23 shots and earning his first win in more than a month. Will this game be a catalyst for the Flames goaltender?

I’m also curious to see how Mads Sogaard performs in net for the Senators. With Anton Forsberg and Cam Talbot both injured, the 6-foot-7 Dane will be busy for Ottawa.

To monitor :

Size and mobility. Markstrom plays with more athleticism than most people would expect from someone who is 6-foot-6. But Sogaard – from my limited viewing – prefers to be more reserved in the crease.

This is where it becomes difficult to gauge a beginner goalkeeper like Sogaard: his game is changing. It could be different from the last time he was seen in the NHL. Sogaard’s season with the Belleville Senators of the AHL has had its ups and downs. He has a save percentage of .898 in 21 games. But his 6-9-2 record is also indicative of the team ahead of him – Belleville is bottom of the AHL North Division standings.

Markstrom didn’t have to face many shots against the Sabers, but he did, according to naturalstattrick.com, face 17 very dangerous chances. And that’s been one of the big themes this season in Calgary: the odds against tend to be abysmal. The Flames goaltender has an .892 save percentage despite a 2.90 goals-against average.

What fantasy owners should do:

Markstrom has been an enigma for fantasy owners. He doesn’t face many shots and wins have been sporadic. But I would still throw it against Ottawa. Sogaard might be worth removing the disclaimer thread. I would consider starting him tonight – sometimes a team plays well in front of a new face in goal.

Conclusion for Jacob Markstrom:

He needs to start stealing games for the Flames in order to make the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Conclusion for Mads Sogaard:

He is expected to play in the AHL, but with Forsberg out, Sogaard can accelerate his development to the NHL level.