Former NHL netminder Mike McKenna provides his Daily Faceoff Starting Goalie Matchup of the Day for Thu. Feb. 23, 2023:

Why I like this matchup:

Copley and Vanecek spent the better part of three seasons playing together for the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League. As members of the Washington Capitals organization, it was unknown which would emerge as a full-time NHL goaltender. Now, both have accomplished that goal. But Copley and Vanecek each had to move on from the Capitals organization to reach their potential.

What to watch for:

To me, they are similar goaltenders. Copley and Vanecek are both positionally sound and rarely find themselves straying far from the blue paint. At 31, Copley is the older goaltender. But they both have plenty of professional experience to lean on – especially Vanecek, who at 27 years of age has played 116 NHL regular season games to Copley’s 55.

The duo have been winning machines in the 2022-23 NHL season. Vanecek has authored 24 wins in 34 starts for the New Jersey Devils, while Copley sports a record of 17-4-1 as a member of the Los Angeles Kings.

I love that both have had to battle to get where they are. Copley began the season in the AHL as the Kings’ third-string netminder, but soon eclipsed Cal Petersen and Jonathon Quick on the depth chart. And while Vanecek’s path to being a No.1 NHL goaltender was more linear with the Devils, he’s found a level of consistency not shown during his time with the Capitals.

What fantasy owners should do:

Neither goaltender sees many shots – the only drawback for fantasy owners. I would start both tonight, although I am wary of the Kings’ offense. L.A. can be explosive. Vanecek could be busier than usual in the New Jersey crease.

Bottom line for Pheonix Copley and Vitek Vanecek:

Bragging rights are on the line!