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Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Mon. Feb. 20, 2023:

Why I like this matchup:

Ullmark has been unbelievable this year for the Bruins and has the inside track to taking home the Vezina Trophy. And Mandolese is looking to follow up an unbelievable 46-save shootout win for the Senators – in his first NHL start.

What to watch for:

Want the craziest stat of the year for Ullmark? He’s allowed three or more goals only since this season. And that was back on Nov. 1 in a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins when he allowed five. His consistency has been absolutely stunning. Ullmark has a .936 save percentage in 35 appearances. I’ve always liked his hands and reflexes. And Ullmark’s mechanics are stout. But he’s added a layer of patience to his game this season that’s paid dividends.

Mandolese’s first NHL game couldn’t have gone any better. He was a major factor during regulation against the New York Islanders and came up huge in the shootout – with his family in the stands. Now he faces an even bigger test: the NHL-leading Bruins. On top of that, it’s the second game in two nights for the Senators. Ottawa won 7-2 at home last night against the St. Louis Blues, then traveled to Boston. Mandolese is a big goalie that uses his size well. Can he bring the athleticism necessary to slow down a potent Bruins offense?

What fantasy owners should do:

Tonight is easy. Start Ullmark. And leave Mandolese on the bench – unless your team is desperate in the saves category.

Bottom line for Linus Ullmark:

Ottawa’s power play is lethal. If he can keep the Senators off the board with the man advantage, the Bruins should win this game.

Bottom line for Kevin Mandolese:

Just play. Ignore any outside noise. The only pressure that exists is what he puts on himself.