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McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Feb. 21 – Jordan Binnington vs. Frederik Andersen
McKenna’s Matchup of the Day: Feb. 21 – Jordan Binnington vs. Frederik Andersen
Credit: © Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Tue. Feb. 21, 2023:

Why I like this matchup:

Binnington has played some good hockey for the Blues lately, while Andersen has been on a tear for the Hurricanes since returning from injury in mid-January.

What to watch for:

It’s tough to define this year for both Binnington and Andersen. Their statistics – especially winning percentage – are very different and tipped heavily in Andersen’s favor. But save percentage and goals saved above average are pretty similar. Binnington has an .893 save percentage in 43 games, while Andersen carries a .903 in 18 starts. The Blues netminder is 81st in goals saved above expected; Andersen is 71st.

So what’s the story? Well, the Hurricanes are incredibly good. And the Blues are not. So which has played better? Hard to say. Andersen has an 8-1-0 record in his last 10 games. And Binnington has won three of his last four starts despite St. Louis having recently traded key players like Ryan O’Reilly, Vladimir Tarasenko, and Noel Acciari.

I think Binnington has stolen far more wins for the Blues than Andersen has for Carolina. But I really like Andersen’s mechanics since returning from injury. And both are gifted puckhandlers outside the crease.

What fantasy owners should do:

Andersen is a lock in goal for the Hurricanes as St. Louis has struggled to score. But Binnington has been a wild card for fantasy owners this year. He’s gotten some key wins, but save percentage is not a favorable column.

Bottom line for Jordan Binnington:

The Blues are well out of the playoff hunt but don’t tell Binnington. He’s going to keep battling until the very end.

Bottom line for Frederik Andersen:

He can’t get complacent playing behind a dynamo of a team in Carolina.