McKenna Match of the Day: March 30 – Laurent Brossoit vs. James Reimer
Former NHL goaltender Mike McKenna gives his Daily face-to-face Start of the goalkeeper match of the day for Thursday. March 30, 2023:
Why I love this game:
Every game is important for Brossoit: he has a real opportunity to earn the Golden Knights’ crease for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. And Reimer was outstanding in his final outing last Tuesday against the Winnipeg Jets when he posted a 41-shot shutout.
To monitor :
With a win tonight, Vegas could be the first Western Conference team to earn a Stanley Cup playoff berth. And it should be a cakewalk against San Jose, a team that has recently lost nine straight. But there is no love lost between the two franchises.
Brossoit began the 2022-23 season after hip surgery and soon found himself relegated to the AHL’s Hender Silver Knights. In 23 games, he posted a .909 save percentage while getting back into shape. Since being called up to Vegas, Brossoit has yet to lose in regulation, going 2-0-2.
Of all the Golden Knights goalkeepers, Brossoit is the most structured. He is constant in his movements and his journeys. And that’s something head coach Bruce Cassidy can count on. But he also missed time through injury. With the shaky fold in Vegas, a strong end to the 2022-23 season could earn Brossoit the starting job.
Reimer hasn’t had it easy with the Sharks this season. The team has been largely dismantled and the goalkeeper has been a lightning rod for criticism since pulling out of warm-ups on Pride Night. But Reimer provided a consistent hand in goal for the Sharks, leading the team with 11 wins in 37 starts. He was exceptional in his last outing against Winnipeg, making several great saves en route to ending a nine-game losing streak for the Sharks.
What fantasy owners should do:
Brush could be real value for fantasy owners if available. I would start him tonight and leave Reimer on the bench.
Results for Laurent Brossoit:
The next few months of his career could change his life.
Conclusion for James Reimer:
The season can’t end soon enough.
